You’ve probably heard the term “insulin resistant” a lot more recently, with the influx of popular weight loss medications that claim to make losing weight with insulin resistance a bit easier. But this term shouldn’t be used interchangeably with diabetes. We want to explain the differences between insulin resistance vs. diabetes and how we can help you manage your blood sugar levels!
Is insulin resistance the same as diabetes?
No. While these conditions are related, they are somewhat different. You can think of insulin resistance as a broader issue– it’s when your body doesn’t react well to insulin, and the pancreas is forced to produce more insulin to manage your blood sugar. Eventually, the pancreas can wear out, resulting in prediabetes and then type 2 diabetes. Not everyone with diabetes is insulin resistant, and some with insulin resistance aren’t diabetic. Another form of diabetes, referred to as type 1, is a completely separate autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks and destroys insulin-making cells in the pancreas.
How do I know if I am insulin resistant?
A blood test can’t necessarily determine if you have insulin resistance, but there are several factors and symptoms that we look for. Here are a few of the common signs of insulin resistance:
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Family history of type 2 diabetes
- A blood pressure reading of 130/80 or higher
- Fasting glucose levels of 100 mg/dL or higher
- Fasting triglycerides levels over 150 mg/dL or higher
- High LDL cholesterol (40 mg/dL for men; 50 mg/dL for women)
- Over 40-inch waistline in men; over 35-inch waistline in women
Can insulin resistance be reversed?
The good news is that yes, insulin resistance is treatable! Here at our holistic health clinic, we focus on preventative medicine strategies and ways to manage your health through lifestyle modifications and innovative therapies. We can support your journey with insight, guidance, and expertise regarding the following tips for insulin resistance:
- Exercise plan: 30 minutes of moderate activity 5 times a week
- Well-balanced diet: increase protein and fiber intake while reducing processed carbohydrates and sugar.
- Manage your weight with our blood sugar support supplements.
- Optimize sleep and lower stress levels.
When should I get tested for prediabetes?
Depending on your risk factors, you may want to get a diabetes screening at your annual physical. If you don’t have many risk factors and have normal results, you may be able to go a couple of years in between tests. So what are some prediabetes risk factors? Obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise, family history of diabetes and/or gestational diabetes, PCOS, and sleep apnea.
Now you know more about insulin resistance vs. diabetes and how they’re both similar and different! Are you curious about more health-related information and wellness tips? Follow our functional medicine blog and reach out to us today for support in whatever area of health you’re struggling in. We are ready to help however we can!
