The Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners is pleased to announce the latest resource available for both healthcare practitioners and patients: a comprehensive PDF titled “Introduction to Insulin Resistance.”
Given that a startling 90% of adults in the United States fall under the category of “metabolically unhealthy,” this guide serves as an essential read for anyone concerned about their metabolic health or that of their patients.
The Silent Threat: Insulin Resistance
Metabolic health consists of five key components—minimal belly fat, normal blood pressure*, normal blood sugar*, normal cholesterol levels*, and full mobility (* = without medications). All of these are pivotal for overall well-being. One silent but dangerous factor that can derail metabolic health is insulin resistance and can contribute to all of the above. This guide offers an in-depth look at what insulin resistance is and why it is critically important to understand it.
Master Hormone: What Is Insulin?
Insulin, often termed the “master hormone,” plays a vital role in regulating glucose levels, energy conversion for vital organs, muscle growth, hormones, many bodily functions, and fat production. However, if the body is not functioning optimally, the entire system can begin to break down. A cycle of high blood sugar levels and high insulin levels can lead to insulin resistance, where the cells stop responding to insulin. This can lead to storage of fat in unwanted places instead of energy being used, and can contribute to a host of chronic conditions: diabetes, heart disease, obesity, fatty liver, PCOS, erectile dysfunction, dementia, cancer, kidney disease, blindness, and other serious medical conditions. This can also result in the pancreas “burning out”.
Key Contributors to Insulin Resistance
The PDF outlines the major contributors to insulin resistance, which include: diet, sedentary lifestyle, and chronic stress. The guide provides detailed information on specific causes of each of these critical factors. Understanding these factors can be the first step towards mitigating the risks associated with insulin resistance.
How to Identify Signs of Insulin Resistance
While no one test definitively diagnoses insulin resistance, several signs can act as indicators. The document provides valuable information on skin changes like skin tags and darkening of skin folds, lifestyle alterations that can help prevent or reverse insulin resistance, and a chart listing metabolic abnormalities, and lab values, that could signify insulin resistance, even in individuals of normal weight.
Take Action: Download and Share
We strongly encourage both practitioners and patients to download this valuable resource. Whether you’re a healthcare provider looking to better serve your patients or someone concerned about personal metabolic health, this guide offers practical and actionable information that could help prevent or mitigate serious health problems.
To access the “Introduction to Insulin Resistance” PDF, please visit the Resources page on The Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners website. Download it, read it, print it normal size, or blow it up as a poster for your office; and share it (in print, or e-version with clickable links) with anyone who might benefit from this crucial knowledge.
Take the first step towards better metabolic health by understanding the role of insulin resistance. Download your free copy today!
