Blood sugar matters for so many conditions both acute and chronic. While getting your A1C or glucose tested can be important, it may not be enough! Insulin resistance can be part of the problem causing blood sugar dysregulation. That's why it's important to understand insulin resistance and its impact.
So what is insulin resistance?
Insulin is the hormone created by the pancreas to help control the amount of sugar in our blood. Normally glucose (sugar), a main source of energy, is broken down when digested. Glucose then goes into the bloodstream, this signals the pancreas to release insulin, which drives glucose into muscle, fat, and liver cells to be utilized for energy.
Once this happens, the body signals the pancreas to stop secreting insulin. If there is resistance to this hormone, then glucose cannot enter our cells as easily, it accumulates in the blood and increases eventual risk for inflammation and diabetes Type II.
Risk factors include: PCOS, inflammation, hypertension, age, sleep apnea, chronic stress, and toxin exposure. Important lifestyle habits to work on include: a diet with whole fresh foods and colorful vegetables, avoiding high glycemic processed foods, aiming for good fats high in omega-3’s, appropriate hydration, increased fiber, daily movement, good quality sleep, and stress management.
Nutraceuticals to consider include:
Alpha-lipoic acid: an antioxidant that increases glucose uptake to cells.
Berberine: improves insulin sensitivity through changes in gene expression.
Chromium: essential mineral that helps to regulate insulin activity at the receptor level.
Reach out to us to get your insulin in check!
N.P. Lexi Johnson is the Nurse Practitioner at Physical Dimensions.