Why is Insulin Important?

Insulin is a hormone that is produced and secreted by the pancreas. It is the key hormone that regulates your blood sugar and maintains energy balance within the body. When you eat carbohydrates your body breaks it down into glucose which enters into the bloodstream. Insulin helps the cells absorb the glucose for energy or to store as fat. Insulin is what is needed to keep your blood sugar levels stable. 

The 3 key functions of Insulin:

1. Energy Regulation: Insulin allows cells in muscles, fat and liver to absorb glucose from the bloodstream, which they use for energy. It also helps to store excess glucose as glycogen in the liver and muscles or as fat for future use.

2. Fat Storage and Metabolism: Insulin helps promote the storage of fat and inhibits the breakdown of fat cells. When insulin is functioning normally, this process helps maintain body weight and prevent excessive fat storage.

3. Protein Synthesis: Insulin also helps in protein synthesis, supporting muscle growth and repair.

   
   

Insulin Resistance and Chronic Disease

When the body becomes insulin resistant, the cells no longer respond effectively to insulin, which means the pancreas has to produce more insulin to achieve the same effect. Over time, this can lead to higher levels of insulin in the bloodstream (hyperinsulinemia) and elevated blood sugar levels, contributing to the development of several chronic diseases. Insulin resistance is a major factor in metabolic syndrome, a cluster of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. 

Some Diseases Linked to Insulin Resistance:

Type 2 Diabetes

Cardiovascular Disease

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Obesity

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)

Cancer

Alzheimer’s Disease (Dementia) or Type 3 Diabetes

Sarcopenia

Migraines

Osteoarthritis 

Why Insulin Resistance Is a Growing Concern

The prevalence of insulin resistance has been rising worldwide, largely due to poor diet (high in refined sugars and processed foods), physical inactivity, and increasing obesity rates. Insulin resistance does not develop overnight. It often takes years or even decades before noticeable symptoms, such as type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome, appear. Therefore, many people may have insulin resistance without realizing it, which makes early detection and prevention critical.

Reversing or Managing Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance can be managed and even reversed in some cases through lifestyle changes including regular physical activity such as muscle strengthening, dietary changes which include whole food, animal based proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats. Low in carbohydrates, and a reduction in sugar can all help to  improve insulin sensitivity. Lastly, weight loss which will be a by-product of healthy lifestyle choices will lead to the loss of excess fat, particularly of visceral fat around the abdomen, which too will improve insulin sensitivity. 

In summary, insulin is critical for maintaining energy balance and regulating blood sugar, but when the body becomes resistant to it, various chronic diseases can emerge. Understanding and addressing insulin resistance early on can significantly reduce the risk of these diseases and improve overall health.

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