Could insulin resistance be the hidden culprit behind your declining energy and focus?

You're driven, successful, and accustomed to pushing through busy days with relentless focus. But recently, something feels off…

• Energy levels aren't what they used to be…
• Your swim-suit worthy mid-section is now annoyingly  ‘pillowy’ & you can’t seem to shift it
• And you’re experiencing frequent sugar cravings and/or unexplained mood swings

Just because these symptoms are common does NOT mean they're normal. The underlying issue could be insulin resistance—a quiet yet significant factor compromising your performance, heart health, and overall quality of life.

What exactly is insulin resistance?

Insulin resistance occurs when your body’s cells stop efficiently responding to insulin, a crucial hormone that regulates blood sugar. 

Your pancreas compensates by producing more insulin, setting off a chain reaction that can lead to chronic inflammation, weight gain, increased cardiovascular risk, and even type 2 diabetes.

The prevalence of insulin resistance

Insulin resistance is alarmingly prevalent in the United States. Studies indicate that approximately 40% of American adults aged 18 to 44 are insulin-resistant. This means that millions are unknowingly at increased risk for serious health conditions, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
And, it’s important to appreciate that nearly 50% of individuals with insulin resistance are not classified as obese - this condition affects a broad spectrum of individuals, regardless of actual body weight.

Are you experiencing these symptoms?

Many common signs of insulin resistance are mistakenly dismissed as normal aging or stress. Remember, common does NOT mean normal. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Persistent fatigue or brain fog
• Weight gain, especially around your mid-section
• Increased hunger shortly after eating
• Strong cravings for carbs or sugar
• Headaches, dizziness, or blurred vision
• Mood swings or irritability
• Difficulty sleeping, nightmares
• Increased thirst and frequent urination
• Elevated blood pressure
• Darkened patches of skin around your neck or armpits
• Skin tags 

If these symptoms resonate, it’s time to pay attention.

Important lab markers to watch:

When assessing insulin resistance, be proactive and ask your doctor about these important lab markers:

• Fasting glucose, standard reference = < 100 mg/dL, but functionally optimal = < 85
• Fasting insulin, standard & functional reference = < 8 µIU/mL*
  *FYI - fasting insulin is not a standard test, but it's commonly tested via functional labs.
• HbA1c, standard reference = < 5.7%, but functionally optimal = 5.1 - 5.4%
• Triglycerides, standard reference = < 150 mg/dL, but functionally optimal = < 100
• HDL cholesterol, standard & functional reference = > 60 mg/dL
• Waist circumference, standard & functional reference =  < 35” for women & < 40” for men
  
  

Practical steps to reverse insulin resistance

The empowering news is that insulin resistance can often be reversed with targeted lifestyle changes. Here’s how you can take immediate action:

1. Enhance your food choices: Minimize refined carbs and sugar. Fill your plate with nutrient-rich whole foods like leafy greens, lean proteins, and healthy fats (avocados, nuts, olive oil).
   Consider this prebiotic rich breakfast to start your day off on the right foot.
2. Move your body more often: Incorporate at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise, such as brisk walking or strength training, to boost insulin sensitivity, and do your utmost to avoid sitting for long periods of time - frequent activity is essential.
3. Improve sleep: Aim for 7-9 hours of restful sleep nightly to support hormonal balance and recovery.
4. Manage stress:  Adopt stress-relief practices like mindfulness meditation, yoga, or regular short breaks during your workday.
5. Organize regular health check-ups & assessments: Invest in comprehensive whole-body lab testing to identify and address insulin resistance before it progresses.
    

You hold the key to your health

Understanding insulin resistance empowers you to take charge of your energy, productivity, and heart health. This isn’t just about preventing future illnesses; it’s about reclaiming your potential today and sustaining your success tomorrow.

Don’t wait—start making positive changes right now. Your best years are still ahead.