Kelly.oconnor: Created

2025-05-08T02:58:34Z

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== What Does It Mean? ==

* Insulin resistance is a metabolic dysfunction in which cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to elevated blood glucose levels and increased insulin production by the pancreas.
* This condition is a precursor to type 2 diabetes and is associated with obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and inflammation.
* Functional medicine focuses on identifying and addressing root causes such as diet, lifestyle, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances to restore insulin sensitivity.

== How Did We Get Here? ==

=== Root Causes & Contributing Factors: ===

* Chronic High Carbohydrate Intake: Excess refined carbohydrates and sugars can lead to persistently high insulin levels, reducing insulin receptor sensitivity.
* Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity reduces glucose uptake by muscles, leading to higher blood sugar levels.
* Chronic Stress & Elevated Cortisol: Increased cortisol levels contribute to insulin resistance by promoting gluconeogenesis and fat storage.
* Inflammation & Gut Dysbiosis: Systemic inflammation and gut imbalances contribute to insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction.
* Nutrient Deficiencies: Deficiencies in magnesium, chromium, and omega-3 fatty acids impair insulin signaling.

=== Signs & Symptoms: ===

* Increased hunger and sugar cravings.
* Fatigue, especially after meals.
* Difficulty losing weight, especially around the abdomen.
* Brain fog and difficulty concentrating.
* Skin changes such as acanthosis nigricans (darkened skin patches).
* Elevated blood sugar levels or fasting insulin.

=== Lab Test Findings ===
The following lab tests help assess insulin resistance and its underlying causes:
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Lab Test Name'''
|'''Expected Changes'''
|'''Optimal Range'''
|-
|Arachidonic Acid : EPA Ratio
|Altered
|3.7-40.7
|-
|Arachidonic Acid (AA)
|Altered
|8.6-15.6 µg/mL
|-
|AST (SGOT) : ALT (SGPT) Ratio
|Altered
|0.00-1.00
|-
|Atherogenic Index of Plasma (AIP)
|Altered
|<nowiki>-0.50-0.11</nowiki>
|-
|C-Peptide
|Increased
|1.10-2.10 ng/mL
|-
|Cholesterol, Serum
|Increased
|180.00-220.00 mg/dL
|-
|Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA)
|Altered
|0.2-2.3 µg/mL
|-
|Glucose, Serum
|Increased
|75.00-86.00 mg/dL
|-
|Glucose, Urine
|Negative
|Negative
|-
|Hemoglobin A1C
|Increased
|4.60-5.30 %
|-
|HOMA2-%B
|Increased
|70.00-120.00
|-
|HOMA2-IR
|Increased
|0.75-1.25
|-
|Insulin
|Increased
|2.00-5.00 µIU/mL
|-
|Ketones
|Negative
|Negative
|-
|Linoleic Acid
|Altered
|18.6-29.5 µg/mL
|-
|LP-IR Score (NMR)
|Increased
|0.00-27.00
|-
|Magnesium, RBC
|Decreased
|6.00-6.80 mg/dL
|-
|Magnesium, Serum
|Decreased
|2.20-2.50 mg/dL
|-
|Omega-3 total
|Altered
|5.4-10 µg/mL
|-
|Triglyceride : HDL Ratio
|Increased
|0.50-1.90
|-
|Triglyceride-Glucose Index (TyG)
|Increased
|0.00-4.40
|-
|Triglycerides, Serum
|Increased
|70.00-80.00 mg/dL
|}

== How Do We Treat It? ==
Treatment focuses on improving insulin sensitivity, reducing inflammation, and optimizing metabolic health.

=== Supplement Protocol ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Supplement'''
|'''Function'''
|'''Dosage & Frequency'''
|-
|Vita Buffered C Powder
|Supports immune and metabolic function
|1 scoop of powder with food, twice daily
|-
|Magnesium
|Essential for glucose metabolism and insulin function
|2 capsules with or without food, daily
|-
|Levo Plasmin
|Aids in circulation and metabolic regulation
|1 capsule without food, twice daily
|-
|Vita-Glucose
|Supports healthy blood sugar levels
|2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, three times daily
|-
|Vita-Trim
|Assists with weight management and metabolic function
|2 capsules without food, daily
|-
|Vita DIM
|Supports hormonal balance and metabolic health
|2 capsules with or without food, daily
|-
|Perfect Protein
|Provides essential amino acids for metabolic support
|1 scoop of powder with or without food, daily
|}

=== Additional Lifestyle Interventions: ===

* Adopt a Low-Glycemic Diet: Focus on whole foods, fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats to stabilize blood sugar.
* Increase Physical Activity: Engage in resistance training and aerobic exercise to enhance glucose uptake.
* Manage Stress: Reduce chronic stress through mindfulness, breathwork, and relaxation techniques.
* Improve Sleep Quality: Prioritize restorative sleep to optimize insulin function and metabolic regulation.
* Reduce Inflammatory Triggers: Minimize processed foods, trans fats, and artificial sweeteners.

Insulin Resistance - Revision history

Kelly.oconnor: Created