Weight Gain & Insulin Resistance: Understanding the Connection
What is Insulin?
Imagine insulin as a key that unlocks cells. After you eat, your blood sugar (glucose) levels rise.
Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps glucose in the blood enter cells in your muscle, fat, and liver, where it’s used for energy
Insulin travels through your bloodstream, attaching to cells and signaling them to absorb glucose for energy or storage.
What is Insulin Resistance?
Think of insulin resistance as a rusty lock. Over time, cells become less responsive to insulin's key. They don't open up as easily to absorb glucose from the bloodstream
To compensate, the pancreas produces even MORE insulin to try and keep blood sugar levels normal.
These constantly high insulin levels create a cascade of effects that lead to weight gain.
How Food Impacts Blood Sugar
After you eat, your blood sugar naturally rises - but how much depends entirely on your food choices. Foods with a high glycemic index (GI) cause a rapid spike. This includes processed snacks, sugary treats, white bread, and even some fruits like watermelon. For a steadier blood sugar level, opt for protein, beans, select fruits, and plenty of green veggies.
When blood sugar goes up, your pancreas releases insulin. Insulin acts like a key, unlocking your cells so they can absorb the sugar from your blood for energy. If this system works as it should, your blood sugar stays balanced.
Click here to check out Unichems blog which has further information on How Insulin Resistance Promotes Weight Gain, Warning Signs of Insulin Resistance, How to take Action, and FAQ’s.