There are many myths about insulin resistance and weight gain. Remember that we are talking about the hormone produced in the pancreas, responsible for maintaining normal blood glucose or sugar levels.
Many people ask me if they will gain weight because of insulin resistance, but it is not the hormone itself that causes the problem.
The reason is that the body is not using blood sugar correctly, it is not burning it. It is a vicious circle: if you are obese, the risk of insulin resistance increases.
What is the harm? Levels are not high enough to lead to diabetes, but they can lead to prediabetes. A very common sign is the darkening of the armpits, neck, and groin, which is called acanthosis nigricans. In addition, it can increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy.
It is a myth that people with insulin resistance have difficulty losing weight because one of the main factors against overweight, obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome, fatty liver, or hypertension is precisely losing weight.
Risk factors for insulin resistance include modifiable and non-modifiable factors. These include age over 45 years, polycystic ovary syndrome; physical inactivity, which is modifiable; a diet high in refined flour, sugar, and fat; and a genetic history of gestational diabetes.
A family history of diabetes, a current blood pressure condition, high cholesterol, and a history of cerebral ischemia or infarction are factors to consider.
The solution will always be to maintain a healthy weight, with a good diet: three portions of fruit a day, three vegetables, two cereals, and three proteins. The basic rule is to maintain an anti-inflammatory diet.
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are an estimated 30 million people in the United States with diabetes. Approximately one in four patients does not know they have it.