Category: Diabetes

Insulin is natural hormone which plays a major role in regulating your use of energy. Its primary role is as a signal which tells cells what to do with glucose, a form of sugar and the main fuel substance in your body. When you eat, your food is broken down into micronutrients, amino acids and glucose. After a meal, the amount of glucose in your blood stream rises, which leads to insulin production by an organ called the pancreas. Upon receiving this signal, body parts such as your liver, fat cells and muscles begin to absorb the excess glucose and use it as energy. They do this through receptors on their cell surface, which bind to insulin and promptly activate a cascade of events that change the metabolism of the affected cells. As a result, blood glucose levels remain stable, allowing your body’s energy equilibrium to stay in place.

If you do not use much energy, eat too much, or have a diet based around energy rich food stuffs, such as fats and simple carbohydrates, it is more difficult for your body to use all the glucose as energy. Your blood glucose therefore rises rapidly after a meal. This causes your pancreas to increase the amount of insulin produced. As this continues, your cells start to become resistant to insulin, forcing your pancreas to produce even more. If this carries on, your cells continue to become resistant, and eventually your pancreas cannot produce enough insulin to keep glucose levels stable. Blood sugar then begins to rise above what can be considered normal. At first this happens in the early morning (which is why fasting glucose is measured), and then progresses to become too high after every meal (impaired glucose tolerance). At the last stage of insulin resistance, your glucose levels become raised throughout the day, leading to type 2 diabetes.

Because insulin controls how the body stores excess glucose, it also controls how the body creates adipose tissue (fat). In an insulin resistant state, your body is programmed to convert glucose to abdominal adipose tissue and to ensure the body does not use fat for energy. Insulin resistance therefore increases your weight, and weight gain makes you more insulin resistant. Insulin resistance can be reversed, and this is why early intervention and treatment is paramount.

In order to treat insulin resistance, lifestyle changes are necessary, and a healthier lifestyle should be adopted. There are also a number of medications and supplements which can help restore insulin sensitivity. MNI seeks to address insulin resistance on both fronts, through our insulin friendly, scientifically formulated Insulin-friendly (C.A.P.E.) meal plan, and through AntaGolin. AntaGolin is formulated to combat insulin resistance through a unique combination of plant based ingredients, which have been shown by research to improve insulin sensitivity and control blood glucose levels. Use AntaGolin to improve insulin sensitivity and to assist in maintaining normal blood glucose levels.

Read more about AntaGolin Click here.
To purchase AntaGolin online: Click Here.
Download your FREE Insulin-friendly (C.A.P.E) meal plan: Click Here.

The Scary Truth – Are You Insulin Resistant?

This condition is so pervasive it is estimated that 25% of people in the USA suffer from insulin resistance and South Africans are not far behind. Sadly, many people are completely unaware that they have insulin resistance until it develops into type 2 diabetes bringing with it severe health problems and increased risk of heart disease, cancer, kidney damage and even Alzheimer’s.

What is Insulin Resistance?

Insulin, produced by the pancreas, is a hormone that is responsible for enabling glucose from food to be burned for energy. Its function is crucial for the health and function of the body’s cells and how energy is used.

When the body is functioning normally the metabolic system works in perfect harmony, producing the right amount of insulin when needed. Unfortunately, the balance can be tipped by our modern lifestyles of stress, lack of exercise and high carbohydrate foods, bringing with it an overproduction of insulin in order to cope. Chronic surges of insulin over an extended period exhaust the body’s cells and they longer respond properly, making them resist insulin entry. As a result, even higher levels of insulin are needed to have the proper effect and the pancreas continues to produce more and more insulin. This condition raises blood sugar levels and eventually leads to type 2 diabetes.

Signs of Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance often goes unnoticed for years, especially in the early phases so what are some of the warning signs of elevated insulin levels?

1.  Weight Gain

Obesity and, especially excess fat around the waist, is a common sign of insulin resistance. Indulging in consistently high-carbohydrate, low nutrient foods as well as sugary treats means the body has to secrete more insulin to lower blood sugar levels.

2. Hunger and Cravings

It may seem strange but insulin resistance means that even though there is too much glucose in the blood, the body is unable to convert it into energy. The body then wants more and nothing satisfies like sugar or carbohydrate rich foods to give that kick.

3. Elevated Blood Sugar

When the glucose in your blood is no longer being properly processed, the body’s blood sugar level rises bringing with it excessive thirst, fatigue and a frequent need to urinate.

4. Acne and Large Pores

There is increasing evidence that shows that insulin, together with other growth hormones can increase skin sensitivity, potentially leading to problem skin.

5. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome

Research has also revealed that many women who suffer from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome have high levels of insulin which can cause the ovaries to produce more androgen hormones such as testosterone resulting in fertility problems.

6. Hair Loss

Because insulin helps to regulate hair growth, insulin resistance can cause female pattern baldness or patches, especially in the front and sides of the head.

7. Swollen Ankles

High levels of insulin result in the kidneys holding onto sodium and water making the ankles and other areas such as the abdomen swell or bloat.

8. High Blood Pressure

Another side effect of high insulin levels is an imbalance in sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium which causes arterial constriction, raising blood pressure and increasing the risk of heart disease.

The Good News

• Fortunately, there is a lot you can do to begin to reverse the effects of insulin resistance.
• Physical exercise plays a vital role because the body burns glycogen (a form of glucose in your muscles) during exercise, improving insulin sensitivity.
• Simply changing your diet to one with only healthy carbohydrates, cutting out sugar and consuming the right proteins and vegetables will help you lose that tummy fat and can begin to restore insulin balance. Download our eating program here. (https://www.mnilifestyle.co.za/download-your-free-meal-plan/).
• Breakthrough supplements such as AntaGolin contain natural ingredients that have been shown to combat insulin resistance.

References:

http://www.rd.com/health/conditions/insulin-resistance-symptoms/
https://www.liverdoctor.com/signs-of-insulin-resistance/
http://www.healthline.com/health/diabetes/insulin-resistance-symptoms#Overview1
https://flihealth.com/the-scary-truth-about-insulin-resistance/
https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/prediabetes-insulin-resistance