Understanding Blood Sugar Levels and Insulin Resistance

TLDRLearn about the relationship between blood sugar levels and insulin resistance, and how they affect the body. Discover why fasting blood sugar levels may stay high in individuals who are insulin resistant and following a low-carb and intermittent fasting diet.

Key insights

🩸Fasting blood sugar levels may stay high in individuals who are insulin resistant and follow a low-carb and intermittent fasting diet.

💉Insulin is a hormone that takes glucose from the bloodstream and into the cells.

🔬Insulin resistance is a condition where the body's cells become resistant to the action of insulin.

🍽️Eating low-carb can help reduce insulin resistance and lower blood sugar levels.

📈Monitoring long-term indicators such as fasting insulin, A1C, triglycerides, and cholesterol ratios can provide a better understanding of insulin resistance and progress.

Q&A

Why do fasting blood sugar levels stay high in individuals who follow a low-carb and intermittent fasting diet?

When you're insulin resistant, the cells in your body become resistant to the action of insulin, making it difficult for glucose to enter the cells. As a result, blood sugar levels may remain elevated even during fasting.

Can low-carb diets and intermittent fasting help reduce insulin resistance?

Yes, adopting a low-carb diet and incorporating intermittent fasting can help reduce insulin resistance. By limiting the intake of carbohydrates, you reduce the amount of glucose in your bloodstream, which can improve insulin sensitivity over time.

What are some long-term indicators of insulin resistance?

Long-term indicators of insulin resistance include fasting insulin levels, A1C (three to four month average glucose), triglyceride levels, and cholesterol ratios. These indicators can provide a more comprehensive understanding of insulin resistance and progress.

Should I be concerned if my fasting blood sugar levels stay high while following a low-carb and intermittent fasting diet?

As long as your blood sugar levels improve after eating and you see positive changes in other long-term indicators, such as fasting insulin levels and A1C, there may not be a cause for concern. However, it's always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

What can I learn from monitoring my blood sugar levels?

Monitoring your blood sugar levels can help you understand how your body responds to different foods and identify trends over time. It can also provide insight into your insulin resistance and help you make informed decisions about your diet and lifestyle.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Blood sugar levels increase when you eat and decrease when you don't eat.

02:30Insulin resistance can cause fasting blood sugar levels to remain high, even during fasting.

06:30When you're sleeping, your body produces hormones to raise blood sugar levels to prepare you for the day.

09:30The difference between blood sugar levels and blood sugar amounts can help understand the impact of insulin resistance.

14:30Eating low-carb and reducing carbohydrate intake can help improve insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar levels.

16:30Monitoring long-term indicators such as fasting insulin, A1C, triglycerides, and cholesterol ratios can provide insights into insulin resistance and progress.