Fasting insulin is one of the most common blood tests I run in my patients as a Naturopathic Doctor. Insulin is a crucial hormone that regulates blood sugar levels and plays a significant role in our overall health. When the body’s response to insulin is impaired, it can lead to a range of health issues. We can use something called the HOMA-IR to interpret our levels of fasting insulin and fasting glucose in relation to each other, which gives us an indicator of insulin sensitivity and resistance. In this article, we’ll explore what insulin resistance means and dive into various, and often surprising, conditions affected by this state.
What is Insulin Sensitivity & Insulin Resistance?
Insulin sensitivity refers to how responsive your body’s cells are to insulin. When you eat, your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which enters your bloodstream. Insulin signals glucose to move from the blood into your cells, where it’s used for energy. If you are insulin sensitive, your cells respond well to insulin, allowing glucose to be effectively used by your body. Insulin resistance occurs when your cells become less responsive to insulin. As a result, more insulin is needed to get the same desired effect on glucose. Over time, this can lead to higher blood sugar levels and a cascade of symptoms.
Conditions Affected by Insulin Resistance:
1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Anovulation:
PCOS is a common hormonal disorder among women characterized by irregular menstrual cycles, ovarian cysts, and elevated levels of male hormones. Insulin resistance is a key factor in PCOS. High insulin levels can increase androgen production, leading to symptoms like anovulation (lack of ovulation), irregular cycles, acne, excess hair growth and infertility.
2. Anxiety and Mood Disorders:
Emerging research suggests a link between insulin resistance and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Insulin resistance can lead to inflammation and affect neurotransmitter function, contributing to mood disorders. I often find insulin resistance in my patients can lead to panic attacks and an overall heighted level of anxiety.
3. Fatigue:
Insulin resistance can lead to chronic fatigue. When cells don't respond well to insulin, the body’s ability to utilize glucose for energy is impaired, resulting in persistent tiredness and low energy levels, as well as difficulty with exercise.
4. Difficulty Losing Weight:
Insulin resistance can make weight loss challenging. High insulin levels promote fat storage and prevent fat breakdown, making it harder to loose excess weight despite diet and exercise efforts.
5. Cardiovascular Disease:
Insulin resistance is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, and heart disease. Elevated insulin levels can contribute to the build up of arterial plaque, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
6. Fatty Liver Disease:
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely linked to insulin resistance. High insulin levels can lead to fat accumulation in the liver, causing inflammation and liver damage over time.
7. Sleep Apnea:
There is evidence to suggest that insulin resistance may play a role in sleep apnea, a condition characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep. The relationship appears to be bidirectional, with sleep apnea also worsening insulin resistance.
How Naturopathic Medicine Can Help
Naturopathic medicine offers a holistic approach to managing insulin resistance and its associated conditions. Through the Hormone Cornerstone Methodology, I help my patients address the root cause of their concerns. Together we can run the appropriate tests and implement a number of modalities that can help insulin resistance, including nutritional counselling, herbal medicine, lifestyle modifications, and stress management techniques. By integrating these natural therapies, you can achieve better blood sugar control, reduce symptoms, and enhance your quality of life.
If you’re struggling with symptoms of insulin resistance, such as fatigue, anxiety, or hormonal imbalances, we can easily run blood work and get answers! I've helped hundreds of tired men and balance hormones, correct deficiencies & optimize their gut health to feel recharged! If you would like to discuss how these factors may be playing into your fatigue, book a FREE discovery call here.
Disclaimer: Any information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in place of professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care practitioner with any questions or health concerns you may have.
