Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. When we eat food, especially carbohydrates, insulin enables our cells to absorb glucose (sugar) and convert it into energy. However, excessive consumption of refined products and bad fats causes insulin resistance—where cells stop responding to insulin properly. This imbalance leads to health conditions like diabetes, PCOS, thyroid disorders, and heart disease. By understanding insulin and its role, we can make informed food choices to maintain balance and prevent lifestyle disorders.

Insulin resistance is a condition where your cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to higher levels of glucose in the blood. Over time, this can cause a host of problems like fatigue, weight gain (especially around the belly), hormonal imbalances, and even more serious issues like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and PCOD. When your cells can’t efficiently use insulin, your body compensates by producing more, leading to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and metabolic imbalances.

Insulin resistance is at the root of many health problems, not just diabetes. For instance, in PCOD, excess insulin can trigger the ovaries to produce more male hormones, leading to irregular periods and other symptoms. It also disrupts the thyroid’s ability to function efficiently, worsening conditions like hypothyroidism. Insulin resistance contributes to heart disease by promoting inflammation, raising bad cholesterol (LDL) levels, and increasing blood pressure. Addressing insulin sensitivity is key to preventing these interconnected health issues.

Common signs of insulin resistance include fatigue, weight gain (especially around the belly), cravings for sugar, and frequent hunger. If you have a family history of diabetes or heart disease, or if you're dealing with PCOD, thyroid imbalances, or high cholesterol, you may want to check your insulin levels. A healthcare provider can diagnose insulin resistance through blood tests like fasting insulin levels or glucose tolerance tests.