Insulin resistance and diabetes are prevalent health conditions that require careful management to prevent complications and maintain overall well-being. According to CDC, more than 37 million people have diabetes in the United States and 40% of people aged 18-44 have insulin resistance. What does insulin resistance mean? Simply put, certain genetic factors but more importantly sedentary lifestyle, stress, and poor diet leads to decreased sensitivity and responsiveness of our cells to the hormone insulin that is responsible for the uptake of glucose from blood into the cells. Over time, this can progress to type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance can precede diabetes by 15 years according to research. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels due to inadequate insulin production or utilization. Chronically elevated blood sugar levels lead to cardiovascular issues by damage the endothelium – inner lining of our blood vessels, that is involved in production of nitric oxide and blood pressure regulation increasing the risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. It can also lead  to nerve damage, causing neuropathy – painful condition characterized by numbness and tingling in the extremities. Uncontrolled diabetes can impair kidney function, blood vessels in the eye and can even lead to increased risk of fatty liver, infections as well as amputations. Our sedentary lifestyle and SAD – Standard American Diet is responsible for these conditions so there is no way around lifestyle changes to prevent and manage insulin and blood sugar abnormalities. In addition, research has identified several natural substances that may aid in managing blood sugar and insulin levels. These are:

1. Oxaloacetate is involved in cellular energy production and it influences glucose metabolism;

2. Berberine can help in blood sugar lowering by improving insulin sensitivity;

3. Gymnema Sylvestre  can enhance insulin secretion and reducing sugar cravings;

4. Chromium is involved in carbohydrate metabolism and enhances action of insulin;

5. Cinnamon may improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood sugar levels;

6. Alpha-Lipoic Acid can aid in reducing insulin resistance, improving glucose metabolism, and it has antioxidant and neuroprotective abilities.

How do you know if your blood sugar is optimal? The functional evaluation includes fasting blood sugar, fasting insulin level, hemoglobin A1C, HOMA-IR, and C-peptide. As always, it is important to make sure that your levels are not just “normal” according to the lab report, but “optimal”.  If you have abnormal test results, you should also look at other potential risk factors associated with the disease process, including cardiovascular biomarkers, inflammatory markers, uric acid, kidney and liver tests, hormones, nitric oxide levels and even evaluation of your endothelial risk with an advanced diagnostic tool called Autonomic Nervous System test.