Insulin Resistance

By Claire McDonnell Liu, Nutritionist

Insulin Resistance could be the reason that you are gaining weight, despite exercise, or struggling to control your blood sugar range and diabetes.

Insulin Resistance is when cells in your muscles, fat, and liver don’t respond effectively to the hormone insulin, and can’t easily utilise glucose in your blood.

The hormone insulin controls how much glucose, or blood sugar, circulates in your bloodstream.  Carbohydrate foods and drinks are broken down into glucose, which then enters your bloodstream raising blood-glucose levels.  Insulin then enters the bloodstream to allow glucose to move into cells to be used up as energy or stored.

When Insulin Resistance occurs the body may struggle to achieve and maintain normal blood sugar levels.  Elevated blood glucose levels can lead to a number of serious health concerns, including weight gain, obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

The types of foods we eat regularly over time play a huge role in managing our health. Sugary and ultra processed foods (UPF) and drinks are associated with Insulin Resistance and a higher intake of UPF is “significantly associated with an increased risk of T2DM”.

A Ketogenic or a Low carb diet may be the best personal approach to help you to manage your weight, improve your blood glucose levels and reverse or control your diabetes. Working with an experienced professional is recommended when changing your diet, especially if you are taking medication for diabetes or blood pressure.

For more information on Insulin Resistance read this more detailed article at Low Carb Down Under.