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Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome Go Hand-In-Hand

Insulin resistance is a condition in which cells of the body are no longer able to appropriately use the hormone insulin. Insulin is secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas to help regulate blood sugar levels and utilize glucose as energy. 

The pancreas responds to the amount of sugar consumed and how quickly it enters the bloodstream. When too many high glycemic carbohydrates are consumed over time, the pancreas secretes more and more insulin as it struggles to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Chronically elevated insulin eventually loses its effectiveness and the cells of the body develop a resistance to it.

Why Does Insulin Resistance Matter?

Left unchecked, insulin resistance leads to diabetes – where blood sugar levels are chronically elevated due to the lack of appropriate control by insulin. What used to be called “adult-onset” diabetes is now referred to as Type II diabetes, as the diagnosis is now frequent in our increasingly obese children. Diabetes is associated with a multitude of health problems, including metabolic syndrome.

What Is Metabolic Syndrome?

Metabolic syndrome is a group of associated conditions with insulin resistance as a primary cause. It includes abdominal obesity, high cholesterol, insulin resistance/diabetes, high blood pressure, and increased body inflammation. Metabolic syndrome predisposes you to coronary artery disease, peripheral vascular disease, stroke, and diabetes. Over 50 million Americans have metabolic syndrome by this criteria.

How Is Metabolic Syndrome Treated?

There is no magic pill to counteract metabolic syndrome. Although pharmacologic therapy can be helpful in treating high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance, a multi-faceted lifestyle change is crucial to reverse the signs and symptoms and control whole body inflammation.  Weight loss with a whole food, low carbohydrate meal plan combined with the appropriate combinations of healthy fats and protein can result in loss of weight and reduction of metabolically damaging fat of the central abdomen. Carefully designed exercise programs can improve the degree of insulin resistance and assist in weight loss, also.

How Does A Low Carb Diet Help?

Even a small reduction of the levels of circulating insulin can have a big effect. Insulin normally promotes storage of glucose as fat. When insulin levels are reduced, the inhibition of fat breakdown is lessened and fat is more easily used as an energy source. Because of this, low carbohydrate diets have a significant effect on total body fat and cholesterol levels.

If you’re worried you’re suffering from metabolic syndrome and feel overwhelmed by the work it will take to correct the issue, contact Matrix Age Management. Part of our program consists of designing custom fitness and nutritional programs for our clients that help get them in the best shape of their lives for the rest of their lives.

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Tags: Overall Health

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