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Insulin Resistance Syndrome
This is also called Syndrome X, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and others. If you read my page on diagnosing if
you have diabetes, I talked about blood sugar levels that are higher than ideal but lower than diabetes. This is the level
in which you may be developing insulin resistance (the state in which your body is resistant to the effects of insulin: to
lower your blood sugar). Insulin resistance will eventually raise your bodys insulin production in its effort to lower your
blood sugar. This then produced what is called hyperinsulinemia or high insulin in your blood.
Hyperinsulinemia leads to Syndrome X
What then results due to the high serum insulin is an increase in your cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, blood pressure
(usually reactive blood pressure: elevating at times of stress, but maybe normal when relaxed) and a drop in your HDL (good
cholesterol). This has also been associated with polycystic ovaries and infertility. May also be associated with "hot
reactor" temperament.
Factors that contribute to insulin resistance or syndrome X:
1. Central obesity (abdominal fat)
2. High fat diet, particularly in animal fats
3. Poor diet leading to nutritient deficiencies like chromium, biotin, niacin, etc.
4. Sedentary lifestyle
5. Tobacco smoking
6. Family history of diabetes
So, if you have any signs of the above please get your blood sugar checked (over 100 may be a sign of insulin resistance)
and possibly your insulin level as well. If you do a glucose tolerance test (2hr GTT) also have your doctor order a fasting
and 2 hr insulin level.
Solution:
Reverse the factors that contribute to Insulin Resistance before it becomes regular Diabetes Mellitus.
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