Metabolic Health

Insulin resistance is a metabolic condition that occurs when the body's cells become less responsive to the effects of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. When cells are resistant to insulin, glucose remains in the bloodstream, leading to elevated blood sugar levels and potential health complications. Persistent metabolic dysfunction such as insulin resistance can lead to the development of the following conditions.

Chronic Inflammation
Diabetes Mellitus and Prediabetes
Fatty Liver (Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver)
High cholesterol and High Triglycerides
Hypertension
Heart disease, peripheral vascular disease
Heart attack and stroke
Kidney Disease
Diabetic Neuropathy

Causes of Insulin Resistance

Obesity and Sedentary Lifestyle
Poor Diet
Chronic Inflammation
Genetic Predisposition
Hormonal Imbalances
Poor sleep
Sleep Apnea
Environmental Toxin Exposure
Nutrient deficiencies

Recognizing the Signs of Insulin Resistance

Elevated Blood Sugar Levels: Individuals with insulin resistance often have elevated fasting blood sugar levels or impaired glucose tolerance, indicating impaired insulin function and reduced glucose uptake by cells.
Increased Waist Circumference: Excess visceral fat accumulation, particularly around the abdomen, is a common sign of insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction.
High Blood Pressure: Insulin resistance is associated with hypertension (high blood pressure), as impaired insulin signaling can lead to increased sodium retention and vascular constriction.
High Triglyceride Levels: Insulin resistance often coincides with dyslipidemia, characterized by elevated triglyceride levels and decreased HDL cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Fatigue and Brain Fog: Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can lead to energy crashes, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and cognitive impairment, commonly experienced by individuals with insulin resistance.
Increased Hunger and Cravings: Insulin resistance can disrupt appetite regulation and lead to increased hunger, cravings for sugary or high-carbohydrate foods, and difficulty controlling food intake.
Weight gain and resistant weight loss are common symptoms of insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction.
Skin tags and velvety dark areas on skin folds known as acanthosis nigricans are signs of insulin resistance.

Functional Medicine Approach to Insulin Resistance

At Holistic Integrative Health, we offer a holistic approach to addressing insulin resistance by identifying and addressing the underlying root causes of metabolic dysfunction, restoring balance, and optimizing overall health. After completing a comprehensive evaluation, we can develop an individualized treatment plan to help address the root cause or causes of your metabolic dysfunction and develop an individualized treatment plan. Your treatment plan may include lifestyle modifications, targeted supplementation, improving gut health, weight management, hormone balancing, sleep hygiene, medication management and/or stress management.