Know Your Numbers Series Part 3: Understanding Insulin Resistance, A Key to Hormonal Health and Wellness
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If you've visited my office with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome), acne, weight retention, a history of gestational diabetes, or a family history of diabetes, you’ve likely heard me talk about insulin resistance as it’s a key factor that often contributes to these conditions.
Today, let’s explore what insulin resistance is, how it affects your body, how to measure it, and most importantly, how we can address it to improve your health. Let’s get into it!
First, What Is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin is the hormone your body makes to allow your cells to take glucose (sugar) out of the bloodstream to use as energy.
Insulin resistance occurs when your body’s cells aren’t responding to insulin as effectively. To compensate for this resistance, your body produces more insulin to try and maintain normal blood sugar levels.
Over time, this increase in insulin can lead to more significant health issues:
Weight Gain & Fatigue
Hormonal Imbalances (PCOS, Acne, hirsutism, etc.)
Risk of Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic concerns
THE GOOD NEWS:
The good news is that insulin resistance can be detected through simple blood tests. A few of the key tests to measure insulin resistance include:
Fasting Insulin and Fasting Glucose: This tells us how much insulin you’re producing while fasted, when you have not eaten recently your insulin production should be low!
HbA1C (Hemoglobin A1C): This test measures your average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months and is commonly used to diagnose pre-diabetes and diabetes. Any number >5.5 is important to discuss!
Fasted Cholesterol/Lipids: Looking at your fasted triglyceride to HDL ratio gives information as well.
These tests are relatively inexpensive and the second two are often tested in regular labwork, but often not discussed.
It’s a LOT easier to treat insulin resistance when we catch it early. We CAN treat it and help the cells become more responsive to insulin.
We can improve insulin sensitivity by:
- Increasing protein and fiber
- Being mindful how we consume sugar and simple carbohydrates
- Changing eating patterns in terms of time of day and volume at each meal, exercise, and supplements
The exact plan that is created depends on a person’s lifestyle, complicating factors, and end goals. Often it’s very basic changes like starting your day with a protein and fiber-rich breakfast!
If you feel like your blood sugar and hormones are out of whack, or have a family history of diabetes this is important to investigate to start with to understand your risk and prevention plan!
The earlier you identify insulin resistance, the easier it is to take action and make changes to protect your health. If you're concerned about your blood sugar levels, book a consultation or get tested today to better understand your health and start a prevention plan.
Hi, I’m Dr. Janine, ND
I’m a Naturopathic Doctor currently practicing in Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
I truly believe that our enjoyment of life is closely tied to how we feel physically. When we’re healthy, we can take on anything. But when we feel off, even the simplest tasks become overwhelming. I’ve been through hormonal shifts, sleepless nights as a parent, and the stress of balancing everything. But I also know that with the right strategy, we can go from surviving to thriving—and create a healthy, thriving family in the process.
I look forward to meeting you soon.
- Dr. Janine, ND
Follow me on social media, @dr.janine.nd