Insulin resistance is a condition in which cells throughout the body no longer respond to the normal actions of the hormone insulin. Insulin is a protein-based hormone produced by beta-cells located in the pancreas. The pancreas, which is located under the stomach, also produces enzymes that aid with digestion. Insulin’s primary purpose is to regulate the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates. The digestive system breaks down carbohydrates, such as sugars and starches, into a molecule called glucose. This compound can be used by cells to produce energy through a process called cellular respiration. Insulin allows cells in the body to absorb glucose, ultimately lowering levels of glucose in the blood stream.
The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat approach to eating. Depending on your height, weight, body goals, and activity level, your daily keto macros should break down around: 5% carbs, 20% protein, and 75% fat.
The average American eats between 225-325 grams of carbohydrates a day. Every time you eat carbs, you trigger an insulin response. It doesn’t matter which type of carbs you eat — simple carbs in processed foods or complex carbs like starchy vegetables– they all get converted into blood sugar for your cells to use in the end.
The more carbs and sugar you eat, the more glucose gets released into your bloodstream (and therefore more insulin too). So when you’re insulin resistant, carbs are your worst enemy.
A ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat diet. It works so well for weight loss and metabolism control because when you’re in ketosis, you:
* Consume fewer daily calories
* Suppress your appetite naturally
* Your body will thrive on your fat reserves so you can finally balance your blood sugar levels and insulin while you shed inches.
The ketogenic diet has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lower fasting insulin levels, normalise blood sugar, and aid weight loss more effectively than low fat diets.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
--- | --- |
Time to lower insulin levels on keto | 14 days |
Insulin's role in the body | Regulate the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates |
Insulin resistance | A condition in which cells throughout the body no longer respond to the normal actions of the hormone insulin |
Why insulin resistance is bad news | Insulin resistance is the root of many metabolic diseases, especially type 2 diabetes |
What causes insulin resistance? | Age, race, already having high blood pressure, inflammation, polycystic ovary syndrome |
How to tell if you're insulin resistant | Always feeling hungry, intense sugar cravings, weight gain, bloated, swollen fingers and ankles, skin tags and acanthosis nigricans, male pattern balding and thinning hair |
How a ketogenic diet improves insulin resistance | The ketogenic diet removes the biggest cause of insulin resistance, triggers natural weight loss, and lowers insulin levels |
Lifestyle choices to beat insulin resistance | Include at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day, stop smoking, improve your sleep, try intermittent fasting, lower your stress |
What You'll Learn
- Insulin resistance is a condition in which cells throughout the body no longer respond to the normal actions of the hormone insulin
- Insulin resistance is very common, with an estimated 24% of US adults aged 20 years or older having the condition
- The best way to treat insulin resistance is to modify one’s lifestyle behaviours. Weight-loss and exercise are considered to be the most effective methods in restoring the ability of tissues to properly respond to insulin
- The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat approach to eating. Depending on your height, weight, body goals, and activity level, your daily keto macros should break down around: 5% carbs, 70-80% fats, and 15-25% protein
- Research shows a low-carbohydrate, high-fat keto diet lowers fasting insulin levels, normalizes blood sugar, improves insulin sensitivity, and aids weight loss more effectively than low-fat diets
Insulin resistance is a condition in which cells throughout the body no longer respond to the normal actions of the hormone insulin
Insulin resistance can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, race, already having high blood pressure, inflammation, and more. It is a very common condition, with an estimated 24% of US adults aged 20 years or older having the condition. Insulin resistance is often undiagnosed until the patient develops type 2 diabetes or another serious, chronic condition.
The best way to treat insulin resistance is to modify one’s lifestyle behaviours. Weight-loss and exercise are considered to be the most effective methods in restoring the ability of tissues to properly respond to insulin. The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat approach to eating. Depending on your height, weight, body goals, and activity level, your daily keto macros should break down around:
- 55-60% fat
- 25-30% protein
- 5-10% carbs
Research has shown that a ketogenic diet may substantially increase insulin sensitivity in obese subjects with type 2 diabetes. In one study, researchers noted that a ketogenic diet lowered fasting insulin by 33% in overweight subjects with elevated levels of lipids who were otherwise healthy. Another study found that a ketogenic diet had a greater impact on metrics related to diabetes, such as fasting insulin levels, in obese and overweight individuals when compared to standard low-fat/drug weight-loss interventions.
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Insulin resistance is very common, with an estimated 24% of US adults aged 20 years or older having the condition
Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body does not respond correctly to insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas that is essential for regulating blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance is a precursor to fatal cardiovascular events and is very common, with an estimated 24% of US adults aged 20 or older having the condition.
Insulin resistance is often associated with obesity, especially excess body fat around the belly, and a lack of physical activity. It is also linked to other conditions such as cardiovascular disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome.
The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance. The diet typically involves limiting carbohydrate intake to less than 50 grams per day and increasing fat intake to ensure adequate energy intake.
Studies have shown that a ketogenic diet can improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance, even in the absence of weight loss. The diet may also help to reduce visceral fat, which is associated with increased insulin resistance.
However, not all causes of insulin resistance can be prevented or treated, and it is important to consult a healthcare provider about the best way to manage the condition.
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The best way to treat insulin resistance is to modify one’s lifestyle behaviours. Weight-loss and exercise are considered to be the most effective methods in restoring the ability of tissues to properly respond to insulin
Insulin resistance is a complex condition in which the body does not respond well to insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas that helps manage blood glucose (blood sugar). Insulin resistance can be temporary or chronic and is treatable in some cases.
The best way to treat insulin resistance is to modify one's lifestyle behaviours. Weight loss and exercise are considered to be the most effective methods in restoring the ability of tissues to properly respond to insulin.
Weight Loss
No single diet has been proven to be the best for improving insulin resistance. However, eating foods that are high in carbohydrates could make it worse. It is also a good idea to limit highly processed foods and high-fat foods. Instead, try to eat more:
- High-fibre foods
- Low-glycaemic foods
- High-fibre, fresh or frozen fruits
- Fresh or frozen vegetables
- Legumes
- Low-fat dairy products
- Low-processed grains
Exercise
Being active improves how well your body uses insulin. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate activity (like brisk walking) 5 or more days a week. Just starting out? Work up to that.
Other Treatments
There are no medications that treat insulin resistance specifically. However, your healthcare provider may prescribe medications to treat coexisting conditions, such as:
- High blood pressure
- High LDL ("bad") cholesterol
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The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat approach to eating. Depending on your height, weight, body goals, and activity level, your daily keto macros should break down around: 5% carbs, 70-80% fats, and 15-25% protein
The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat approach to eating. The diet involves drastically reducing carbohydrate intake and replacing it with fat. This reduction in carbs puts your body into a metabolic state called ketosis, where your body becomes very efficient at burning fat for energy.
The ketogenic diet is typically composed of 70-80% fats, 5-10% carbs, and 10-20% protein. However, the exact ratio of these macros can vary depending on individual factors such as height, weight, body goals, and activity level. For example, the standard ketogenic diet (SKD) consists of 70% fat, 20% protein, and 10% carbs. On the other hand, the targeted ketogenic diet (TKD) is designed for active people and includes 10-15% carbs, 65-70% fat, and 20% protein.
When following a ketogenic diet, it is important to base your meals mostly on whole, single-ingredient foods. This includes meat, fish, eggs, butter, nuts, healthy oils, avocados, and low-carb vegetables. It is also crucial to avoid high-carb foods such as sugary foods, grains, starches, most fruits, beans, legumes, root vegetables, and unhealthy fats.
The ketogenic diet has been shown to offer many health benefits, including weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced risk for certain diseases such as diabetes, cancer, epilepsy, and Alzheimer's. Additionally, the diet can help lower blood sugar and insulin levels and improve metabolic health.
When starting a ketogenic diet, it is normal to experience some initial side effects, such as "keto flu," which may include symptoms like diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting. These side effects are usually short-term and can be minimized by gradually transitioning to the diet and staying properly hydrated.
It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting a ketogenic diet, especially for those with type 1 diabetes or who are pregnant. While the diet can be effective for weight loss and managing certain health conditions, more research is needed to understand its long-term effects on the body.
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Research shows a low-carbohydrate, high-fat keto diet lowers fasting insulin levels, normalizes blood sugar, improves insulin sensitivity, and aids weight loss more effectively than low-fat diets
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Frequently asked questions
The ketogenic diet is a low-carb, high-fat approach to eating. It has been shown to lower fasting insulin levels, normalise blood sugar, improve insulin sensitivity, and aid weight loss more effectively than low-fat diets.
The time it takes to lower insulin levels on the keto diet varies from person to person. However, research has shown that the ketogenic diet can improve insulin sensitivity by approximately 75% in as little as two weeks.
Some common symptoms of high insulin levels include:
- Always feeling hungry
- Intense sugar cravings
- Inability to lose weight
- Bloated, swollen fingers and ankles
- Skin tags and discoloured parts of your skin in the folds and creases of your neck, armpits, thighs, and groin area
- Male pattern balding and thinning hair, even if you're a woman