If you get intense cravings, struggle with stubborn belly fat, weight gain, extreme exhaustion especially after eating meals, have skin tags, or dry patches of skin, THESE ARE ALL SIGNS OF INSULIN RESISTANCE.
80% of women with PCOS are insulin resistant and half of those woman will get diabetes by the time they turn 40!! Yet little to no one is warned about this…. Why?? That’s a conspiracy for another day. What happens when insulin resistance goes left untreated is more important.
Chronically high levels of insulin wreck our bodies by:
1) triggering fat storage
2) slowing our metabolism (this is how we use food for energy and a big reason why you feel like you have zero energy)
3) disrupting our sex hormones causing excess androgens (these are your male hormones driving hairloss, hirsutism, and cystic acne)
4) stunting puberty & cause fertility problems
The easiest way to fix insulin resistance is by controlling blood sugar levels. When blood sugar is too high too often, it stops your body from restoring insulin sensitivity (which is what we want).
More tips to control blood sugar levels and reverse insulin resistance coming up ✨🫶
#pcos #pcosawareness #pcosweightloss #pcosdiet #pcosfighter #insulinresistance
Insulin resistance is a metabolic condition where the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, a hormone essential for regulating blood sugar. This condition is particularly prevalent in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), affecting up to 80% of this population. Insulin resistance not only exacerbates PCOS symptoms but also significantly increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, especially as many women with PCOS remain unaware of their insulin status. Key signs of insulin resistance extend beyond weight gain and include intense sugar or carbohydrate cravings, extreme fatigue after meals, skin tags, and dry skin patches. These symptoms result from the body's impaired ability to utilize glucose effectively, leading to compensatory high insulin levels, which trigger fat storage and metabolic slowdown. This metabolic disruption also disturbs hormone balance, causing excess androgens that contribute to hair loss, hirsutism (unwanted facial/body hair), and cystic acne. Moreover, it can interfere with normal puberty development and fertility. Addressing insulin resistance focuses mainly on blood sugar management, which helps restore insulin sensitivity in cells. Dietary strategies such as low glycemic index foods, balanced macronutrients, and consistent meal timing can stabilize blood sugar levels. Regular physical activity enhances insulin sensitivity by promoting glucose uptake in muscles. Additionally, weight loss has a profound positive effect on reducing insulin resistance and improving PCOS symptoms. Research supports that early intervention in insulin resistance can prevent progression to diabetes and mitigate many PCOS-related health risks. Despite this, many women encounter limited medical guidance due to systemic challenges in healthcare prioritization. Thus, awareness and education on insulin resistance are vital. Incorporating lifestyle changes like mindful nutrition, exercise, and possibly medical therapies under professional supervision offers the best approach to reversing insulin resistance and regaining health in PCOS. Women are encouraged to consult healthcare providers for personalized assessment and management plans. In conclusion, understanding the connection between insulin resistance and PCOS empowers women to recognize symptoms early, take proactive steps to control blood sugar, and prevent serious long-term health complications. This insight is crucial for improving quality of life and reproductive health in women with PCOS.
Okay, so how do we supposedly fix it?