Thursday, August 16, 2012

Insulin Resistance - Are you at Risk?

What is Insulin?
Insulin is a hormone, produced by the pancreas, which controls the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood.

What is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin resistance refers to the condition where your physiological insulin is no longer effective in lowering blood sugar levels in your body.  The result is an increase in blood glucose levels and this can lead to a number of adverse health conditions.

What conditions can it lead to?
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
What are the risk factors?
  •  Obesity - especially around the upper/middle part of the body
  •  Lack of exercise
  • Genetics
  •  Aging
What can you do to prevent developing Insulin Resistance?
  • Exercise regularly - 3-5 times a week for 30 minutes is ideal
  • Eat a balanced diet of fruit, vegetables, lean meats and complex carbodydrates 

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