Diabetes & Insulin Resistance

Type 2 Diabetes is non insulin dependent diabetes. Insulin affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose), which is the body's main source of fuel. Type 2 diabetes can be preventable, but is increasing in our population due to the increase of people being overweight.

In Type 2 Diabetes your body is either resistant to the effects of insulin, or your body does not make enough insulin maintain normal glucose levels.

In Type 1 Diabetes the pancreas produces little or no insulin.

Improving your diet and increasing physical activity to support a healthy weight can start you on your way road to improving your Diabetes.

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas.  Insulin helps the body utilize blood glucose (blood sugar) by binding with receptors on cells.  Once the insulin has opened the door to the cell, the glucose can pass from the blood into the cell.  Once Inside the cell, glucose can be turned into energy or stored for future use.

Insulin Resistance occurs when insulin is not able to open the door to the cells for the glucose to enter. This “resistance” causes the pancreas to secrete additional insulin and glucose builds up in the blood resulting in high blood glucose or type 2 diabetes.

Insulin Resistance Symptoms: brain fog, physical and mental fatigue, low blood sugar, jittery, moody, headaches, stomach feeling bloated, weight gain, fat storage, difficulty loosing weight, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, obesity, depression, carbohydrate cravings and polycystic ovarian syndrome, or PCOS.

Syndrome X is a term for many conditions occurring at the same time which are risk factors for heart disease associated with insulin resistance.  These conditions are high triglycerides, low good cholesterol, elevated insulin levels, and high blood pressure.

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) in teens and women is often linked to insulin resistance. PCOS is a hormone disorder where the ovaries become enlarged and develop fluid-filled sacs called cysts. Women with PCOS either have irregular periods or their periods may have totally stopped. PCOS can also cause infertility.

Insulin Resistance can be supported, reduced and even eliminated through proper diet and nutrition. It is also helpful to maintain a healthy body weight since obesity can aggravate insulin resistance.

"I am feeling so much better!" Ana Culverhouse

Feb 14, 2008
Glucose: 94 (High)
Insulin: 68.5 (High)
Weight: 163 (a little overweight)

April 14, 2008
Glucose: 85 (normal range)
Insulin: 3.5 (normal range)
Weight: 156 (lost 7 pounds)