A week ago I found out that I am insulin resistant. Which explains so much about everything. It’s interesting how when you’re in the fitness industry you can become so complacent with the daily grind that we forget the mere basics of how the body works and functions.I was speaking with someone from Louisiana with where I was with my prep this year and how frustrated I’ve been with being stagnant. After a few short conversations he suggested I get a glucose monitor and start checking it first thing in the morning and see where it was reading. Well I did just that and sure enough my fasted BG (Blood Glucose) was hovering around 104-112 mg/dL. Which is way to high for a fasted reading on a non diabetic, a normal fasting blood glucose level is less than 100 mg/dL.
Now how does this all affect your body?
“Insulin resistance is a pathological condition in which cells fail to respond normally to the hormone insulin. The body produces insulin when glucose starts to be released into the bloodstream from the digestion of carbohydrates in the diet. Normally this insulin response triggers glucose being taken into body cells, to be used for energy, and inhibits the body from using fat for energy. The concentration of glucose in the blood decreases as a result, staying within the normal range even when a large amount of carbohydrates is consumed. When the body produces insulin under conditions of insulin resistance, the cells are resistant to the insulin and are unable to use it as effectively, leading to high blood sugar. Beta cells in the pancreas subsequently increase their production of insulin, further contributing to a high blood insulin level. This often remains undetected and can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes or latent autoimmune diabetes of adults. Although this type of chronic insulin resistance is harmful, during acute illness it is actually a well-evolved protective mechanism. Recent investigations have revealed that insulin resistance helps to conserve the brain’s glucose supply by preventing muscles from taking up excessive glucose. In theory, insulin resistance should even be strengthened under harsh metabolic conditions such as pregnancy, during which the expanding fetal brain demands more glucose.” – Wikipedia Definition
I went to my GP last week where they confirmed Insulin Resistance. Interesting fact is that I’ve always had a high BG. Even with all my pregnancies I was in the grey area for gestational diabetes. Had to endure the horrible orange drink test. I’m sure we all as moms remember that drink.
I’ve been tested for diabetes so many time but its always been in the grey area and never needed treatment. Well this just goes to show that you cannot remain complacent in your daily training and routines. If you all of a sudden cant budge on weight not matter how you are meal prepping and training. Something is wrong. I am so grateful to this person who from an outsiders look just broke this down simply for me and it happened to pan out.
I am now taking a medication which helps my body regulate my BG better. My scores are now at a way more comfortable number and I can already see my body making positive changes. I couldn’t be happier.
I did try Berberine for a month (a supplement lots of people try before going there metformin route) with no luck of having it lower my BG levels. I am now on Metformin and its been a huge blessing to me and I can now look more positive at the future and my training. Plus, I have more energy, feel less brain cloudiness and all.
Just goes to show you cant ever stop educating yourself or having different people in your corner to help you figure out things. Even if they don’t know lots about your everyday life. Sometimes people can help clear the crazy when you’re at your wits end with trying to balance or your body. Hormones and all. So blessed to have amazing people in my life that are there for me and so willing to be so helpful.
I am determined to get ME back. Despite insulin resistance and despite hormone levels being a struggle. Just one more bump in the road. Watch out world. I will keep going and will keep competing and bring an even better package!