Insulin is a hormone released by our pancreas in response to high levels of blood sugar or glucose. Glucose is absorbed into the blood from the digestive system after we eat or drink. Insulin is responsible for bringing the glucose from the blood into our cells where it can be used for energy or stored as glycogen for later use or converted to fat if all glycogen stores are full.  

The more sugar we consume, the more insulin is released. A diet rich in sugar and refined, processed foods requires high amounts of insulin to regulate the blood sugar levels. Overtime, with too much insulin exposure our cell receptors may become resistant. When this happens, glucose remains circulating in the bloodstream causing damage and inflammation to the body.

Type 2 Diabetes is the most common disease that can result from insulin disruptions in the body. It is largely preventable and manageable through diet and lifestyle if caught early enough. If you have a strong family history of Type 2 Diabetes then you should start taking action today. Some other conditions strongly linked to insulin disruption include Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Hypoglycemia, Cardiovascular Disease and Metabolic Syndrome. 

Do you have 5 or more of the following?

• Skin tags
• Cellulite
• Abnormal/Excess hair growth in women
• Sagging skin
• Irregular menses
• High cholesterol and triglycerides
• High blood pressure
• Poor memory and concentration
• Low libido
• Weight gain around abdomen and backs of arms
• Hypoglycemia: shakiness, strong craving for sweets, increased appetite
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Sleep disruption in the night to eat
• Gout
• Lack of exercise
• Infertility
• Acanthosis nigrans (skin condition of brown patches on neck/underarm)
• Burning feet at night

How does insulin imbalances affect our health?

Abdominal Fat: Excess insulin leads to increased fat stores, while blocking the use of this fat for energy.

Increased Appetite: Excess insulin increases appetite and cravings for sugar by influencing the hormone appetite-suppressing hormone leptin. In addition, it increases dopamine, the pleasure seeking hormone.

Type-2 Diabetes: Chronic excess insulin can cause cell receptors to become de-sensitized overtime. This means that the levels of sugar in the blood remain high even after insulin release leading to many serious health concerns associated with Diabetes.

Hypoglycemia: In some individuals, sugar is taken out of the blood too quickly. This may be in response to a higher metabolic rate or an excess secretion of insulin. Low blood sugar causes symptoms of shakiness, sweating, palpitations, poor concentration, irritability and headaches.