Insulin resistance may be one of the key drivers of many chronic conditions, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), Alzheimer’s disease, and cancer, just to name a few.
Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas, it helps body cells to absorb blood sugar and use it for energy. Insulin resistance happens when the cell stop responding to insulin, blood sugar goes up, the pancreas produces more insulin, and insulin goes up too. Eventually, the pancreas becomes exhausted, leading to decreased insulin production. After blood sugar levels exceed a certain threshold, type 2 diabetes develops. An insulin resistance score (HOMA-IR) is calculated by fasting blood glucose times fasting blood insulin divided by 22.5. A high HOMA-IR indicates insulin resistance.
Many factors contribute to insulin resistance. A diet high in carbohydrate (i.e., too many passengers, not enough space in a bus); obesity and high blood triglycerides cause too much fat inside the body cells (i.e., suitcases take all spaces, passengers cannot get in the bus); sedentary lifestyle; a diet high in processed foods which causes disruption in the bacterial environment in the gut; stress; smoking and sleep deprivation. Addressing these factors may reduce or even reverse insulin resistance, which is also associated with protection against chronic diseases and increased life span.