

When I speak with clients about metabolic health and insulin resistance, I so often hear, "But I don't take insulin so what you're saying Tisha can't apply to me. After all, if I'm not taking insulin, I obviously don't have a problem with insulin, so none of this stuff matters and insulin is not why I'm gaining weight or feeling sicker." Unfortunately, this train of thought is well ... wrong. So, I thought I'd take a little bit of time today and help clear up some confusion. Let's start off with the most complicated part of this discussion. The medical definition of what insulin is.
MEDICAL DEFINITION: Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by beta cells of the pancreatic islets; it is considered to be the main anabolic hormone of the body. It regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and protein by promoting the absorption of glucose from the blood into the liver, fat, and skeletal muscle cells.
If you got through that definition and are still reading ... give yourself a pat on the back or a big hug. JOB WELL DONE!
***Let's take a quick break and enjoy a little metabolic health humor***
and now I'm back ...
For those of you who felt like that medical definition was a bunch of words that didn't really seem to make up any comprehendible sentences, let me explain what that medical definition should have said.
What is insulin?
Other than dealing with weight gain, is high glucose or insulin resistance, something to worry about? Great question with an easy answer. YES! 100% YES! When glucose is no longer being removed from your bloodstream, your blood sugar levels go up. The sugar left in your blood then starts to destroy the cells all over your body, leading to a long list of chronic diseases including those pictured below:
Chances are if you are suffering from one or more of these disorders, you are insulin resistant. If you are insulin resistant, restoring your metabolic health is the most important decision you can make. Not only will it help to reverse the conditions above, but you'll also experience increased energy, improved mental clarity and focus, reduced inflammation, reduced pain, improved mood, regulated menstrual cycles, and more.
Before I sign off, I want to add one more nugget of knowledge. Insulin resistance does not automatically mean you will become or are obese. Obesity is one of the many diseases caused by insulin resistance, but the number on the scale does not always mean you are sicker than a lighter friend. There are many people who only have 5-10 lbs that they want to lose, or maybe have some belly fat they don't like. Needing to lose a small amount of weight however does not mean you are not at risk for diabetes, fatty liver, PCOS, or any of the other diseases shown above. As I mentioned in my article last week, 93% of American Adults are Unhealthy, meaning they have metabolic dysfunction but less than 32% of the population is obese.
So what do you think about what you just read? Have questions? Does it make sense? Is there another topic you'd like me to cover? Send me an email, comment below, or reach out via social media.
Til next time!
Caio!
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