Your Body Type
Women are told to dress for their body type, two of which are apple or pear. Pear-shaped bodies are larger through the hips while apple-shaped bodies are larger through the abdomen. Men can dress however they please and are told to celebrate their “dad bods”. Whether you’re an apple-shaped woman or a man with a “dad bod”, excess weight carried in your stomach area is an indication that you might be insulin resistant.
Well, That Sounds Scary
It does, doesn’t it? All this time we thought we were just chubby in the middle, but we may actually have a health issue. Insulin resistance can precede quite a few medical conditions, so it’s important to know what it is and manage it as early as possible.
What Happens in an Insulin Resistant Body?
Insulin is a hormone created by the pancreas. When we eat, food turns into blood sugar or glucose. Glucose enters your bloodstream and tells your pancreas to start producing insulin. That insulin helps propel the glucose into your liver, fat, and muscles so they can either store it or use it to create the energy needed for bodily functions. When that insulin is received and recognized by the cells, the pancreas ceases insulin production.
Insulin resistance occurs when your liver, fat, and muscle cells aren’t able to process the insulin easily, prohibiting them from either using the blood glucose or storing it. As a result, the pancreas works harder trying to produce more insulin. As the cells decrease their response to insulin, you will develop elevated blood sugar levels, which mean you will develop either pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Insulin is also associated with several other conditions including:
- PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Heart disease
- Liver disease not related to alcohol consumption
- Obesity
All of these conditions can have serious effects on your health in both the short and long terms.
Causes of insulin resistance range from lifestyle causes like poor diet and lack of exercise, obesity, hormonal imbalance, a genetic condition, or certain medications.
Symptoms of Insulin Resistance
There are a number of symptoms associated with insulin resistance, some of which are symptoms of diabetes. These symptoms might include:
- Weight gain, especially in the abdomen
- Frequent urination
- Being very thirsty
- Dark patches in your armpits or on your neck
- Skin tags
What Can Be Done?
One of the most important pieces of managing insulin resistance is, of course, getting a diagnosis. Secondarily, weight loss can be a key to managing it well. Weight loss is easier said than done because the hormonal imbalances associated with insulin resistance can cause you to gain weight.
Vallee Health Repair can be instrumental in helping you determine whether you have insulin resistance. Our office visits are comprehensive, as is our laboratory testing. If you have insulin resistance, we can support you through achieving hormonal balance, a comprehensive weight loss program, and medications if needed. Our care for you will include a highly skilled medical team committed to your well-being.
We want to help you live your best life. Call at (217) 577-2992 or email us at vhrillinois@gmail.com to begin the journey to your best, healthy self.
Disclaimer: The information contained here was not written by a medical doctor and is intended for informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for medical advice.