Why We Get Sick

"Insulin resistance is the epidemic you may have never heard of." Prevalence and impact.

"Insulin resistance is the epidemic you may have never heard of." Prevalence and impact. Insulin resistance affects up to 88% of adults in the United States and is a precursor to numerous chronic diseases. It's linked to heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's, and other conditions that are becoming increasingly common. Despite its prevalence, many people and even some healthcare professionals are unaware of its significance. Symptoms and diagnosis. Common signs of insulin resistance include: Excess belly fat High blood pressure High triglycerides Skin tags or dark patches (acanthosis nigricans) PCOS in women or erectile dysfunction in men To diagnose insulin resistance, doctors should measure fasting insulin levels, not just glucose. A fasting insulin level above 6 µU/mL indicates potential insulin resistance.

"To get a sense of your risk level, answer these questions: Do you have more fat around your belly than you'd like? Do you have high blood pressure?" Insulin's role. Insulin is a hormone that regulates blood glucose, but it also affects every cell in the body. When insulin levels are chronically high, cells become resistant to its effects, leading to a vicious cycle of increasing insulin production and decreasing sensitivity. Beyond glucose. While most diagnostic focus has been on blood glucose levels, insulin itself is a more important indicator of metabolic health. Excess insulin can cause: Increased fat storage, especially around the abdomen Inflammation and oxidative stress Altered hormone balance Impaired cellular function across multiple organs

"From the brain to the toes, insulin regulates how a cell uses energy, changes its size, influences production of other hormones, and even determines whether cells live or die." Widespread effects. Insulin resistance impacts various bodily systems: Cardiovascular system: Increases blood pressure Alters cholesterol composition Promotes atherosclerosis Brain: Contributes to Alzheimer's disease (sometimes called "type 3 diabetes") Affects mood and cognitive function Reproductive system: In women: PCOS, fertility issues In men: Low testosterone, erectile dysfunction Skin: Acanthosis nigricans (dark skin patches) Skin tags Increased acne Digestive system: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease Increased risk of gallstones

"The epidemics of obesity and insulin resistance are partly the product of bending science to fit politics." Dietary misconceptions. For decades, the focus on low-fat diets has led to increased consumption of refined carbohydrates and sugars, which spike insulin levels. This approach, based more on politics than sound science, has contributed significantly to the rise in insulin resistance. Key dietary factors: Excess sugar and refined carbohydrates High fructose consumption Frequent snacking and constant eating Lack of fiber-rich whole foods Other lifestyle contributors: Sedentary behavior Chronic stress Poor sleep quality and quantity Exposure to environmental toxins