What is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin resistance syndromes encapsulate a broad spectrum, including obesity, glucose intolerance, and diabetes. Often these disorders are related to endocrine, metabolic, and genetic conditions (www.joslin.org). Insulin resistance occurs when the body is unable to properly use the insulin it produces. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas, and it assists in the conversion of glucose into energy. Food is broken down into glucose (the bodies largest source of energy) within the digestive system. Glucose then moves from the bloodstream and into cells throughout the body, with the aid of insulin. Glucose in the bloodstream is called blood glucose or blood sugar. After consuming food, our blood glucose level rises and the pancreas releases insulin to assist cells in glucose absorption. Insulin resistance makes absorbing glucose problematic, as muscle, fat, and liver cells do not properly respond to insulin. This means the pancreas needs to increase the amount of insulin released. Eventually it fails to keep up with the increasing demand for insulin. As a consequence, glucose builds up in the bloodstream. Insulin resistance can increase the chance of developing type 2 Diabetes and heart disease (nih.gov). One of the earliest and most noticeable symptoms of insulin resistance is weight gain, especially around the middle.
What causes insulin resistance?
Reversing insulin resistance is difficult because a domino effect within the body. Higher circulating levels of insulin in the blood stream and weight gain both further develop insulin resistance. The precise cause of insulin resistance has proven elusive to researchers. Many hypothesis that there are multiple different catalysis (www.joslin.org). Obesity is nearly universally believed to be a principal cause of insulin resistance. One theory explains that central obesity (belly fat) results in fat cells being unable to receive enough oxygen which will cause them to die (www.diabetes.co.uk).
In 2002, John Hopkins scientists found that a build-up of sugar on protein cells can provoke insulin resistance (Science Daily). This might encourage individuals to use non-nutrition sweeteners (NNS) as a way of protecting themselves from insulin resistance. As NNS does not have caloric energy and our bodies are unable to digest it, it is often believed that it is inert and has no effect on our bodies. Contrary to popular belief, in 2013 the American Diabetes Association published an article that found sucralose (a kind of NNS) to be connected to higher blood sugar peaks and a 20 percent increase in insulin levels.
Protect yourself through exercise and a healthy diet
Consumption of trans-fats, saturated fats, refined carbohydrates and processed foods have been closely linked to insulin (www.diabetes.com) resistance. Physical activity is advisable, as it appears to decrease the presence of insulin resistance. Kay’s Naturals has been created to allow for individuals to indulge and enjoy a savory or sweet snack without consuming refined carbs, trans-fats or saturated fats. Our snacks and cereals are very low in sugar and packed with protein. Enjoy our products without causing a spike in your blood sugar! To learn more about Kay’s Naturals go to our website.