What is insulin resistance?

Insulin is the hormone that signals cells to absorb excess glucose from the bloodstream and store it as fat. In insulin resistance, cells do not respond properly to insulin, and the pancreas has to release more and more of the hormone to get glucose out of the blood. Over time, the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to overcome this cellular resistance, leading to increased blood glucose levels (pre-diabetes, diabetes).

Do I have insulin resistance?

Insulin resistance can be present for years before any symptoms of high blood sugar appear. Knowing the signs of insulin resistance, and addressing it early on, can help prevent many of the health problems associated with this condition.

Here are some signs you may have insulin resistance:

• skin tags
• acanthosis nigricans: darkening around skin creases, especially around the neck, armpits, or groin
• overweight
• increased waist measurement: >35 inches for women, >40 inches for men
• increased waist to hip ratio: >0.8 women, >1 men

• high blood pressure
• borderline or high blood sugar (A1c > 5.6%)
• high blood triglycerides
• low HDL (good) cholesterol
• elevated liver enzymes (ALP, AST, ALT)

Insulin resistance is a major contributor to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and many other health problems. Treating the underlying cause, whether it's insulin and/or other hormone irregularities, is critical to weight loss success.

Does your current weight loss program address these issues?

If not, contact Medical Weight Loss Specialists of Bismarck to get started or to schedule a free, no obligation consult. Call 701-354-0964 or email us TODAY!