Keto Heals: {Insulin Resistance}

This is the final post of my eight-part blog series on my top health markers improved, reversed, managed, or completely HEALED through my Keto and Intermittent Fasting journey.

When I started out on my journey, I absolutely loved reading success stories.  The stories, like mine, I read on Diet Doctor kept me going throughout my entire journey.  I hope to pass a little spark to get you going on healing your metabolic dysfunction. 

Keto, Low-Carb Healthy Fat, with or without Intermittent Fasting, can change your life.  Take the first step into your own joyful journey to health!

(Disclaimer: I am not a health care professional.  I am writing about my personal experiences to encourage others in choosing a low-carb lifestyle.  I recommend you work closely with a health care professional to manage your metabolic health.  I work with three MDs to manage my health – functional medicine, cardiology, and a sleep specialist.  A team of health care professionals should assist in your journey.  Where appropriate, I will post links from respected health care providers from the low-carb community.)

If I must pick the BEST health improvement realized in my low-carb journey, as in “saving the best for last”, I pick Insulin Resistance.  After all, it’s all about the hormones, baby!

My life changed the night I discovered Dr. Jason Fung through a random google search.  I spent hours watching videos and reading his work.  He explained the role of insulin in my obesity so clearly and easily for me (a non-clinical person) to understand.  I almost cried when he implied my decades of obesity were not “my fault” and the fault lies at the feet of standard dietary advice!

I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt he just taught me how to unlock the key to my obesity.  I immediately ordered his book “The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss” and continued exploring everything I could about low-carb healthy fats and Keto living on the Diet Doctor website all weekend.  I signed up for the 2 Week Challenge and never looked back.

Insulin is key.  Based on my hours of research that weekend I knew I could diagnose myself as Insulin Resistant.  Some also call this hyperinsulinemia.  Pre-diabetes is the most familiar terminology.  They told me in the hospital weight loss program I had pre-diabetes.  I’ve been dealing with this insulin problem for decades and I found the KEY through a random google search!  Not from my doctors.   Arrrggghhhh (seems like this is a good topic in a future post)!  Anyhow…

What exactly is Insulin Resistance?  It’s a metabolism that has been severely damaged by carbohydrate intolerance.  Insulin, the hormone made by the pancreas, allows cells to use glucose for energy.  Someone with Insulin Resistance has a metabolism that does not use insulin effectively.  Insulin is then the “fat storing” hormone resulting in obesity and other metabolic dysfunctions.

As soon as I soaked up a few lessons from Dr. Fung, I set out to reverse my Insulin Resistance.  This has been my number one goal all throughout my journey.

How exactly can you test for Insulin Resistance?  For starters, doctors don’t even know better and rarely order a fasting insulin blood test. MAKE SURE YOU ASK FOR THIS TEST every time you see your doctor.  FASTING INSULIN.  It is really the very best test of your metabolic health.  I never had my fasting insulin tested until I started asking for it – months into my Keto lifestyle.  I can’t even begin to imagine the drastic state of my insulin.  It had to be sky high!

I found this very thorough blog “How to Diagnose, Prevent and Treat Insulin Resistance” by Georgia Ede, MD.  Take the time to read it!  I refer to this post all the time for the reference sheet she includes on how to calculate your Insulin Resistance Tests Scores.

I am so pleased to say using Dr. Ede’s Insulin Resistant test formulas, I am just on the borderline of healing my Insulin Resistance.   My latest blood test results show an Insulin Resistance formula result of 8.61 (women with values over 8.73 are most likely to be insulin resistant and have double the chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes in the future).  Hooray – my first result not over the 8.73 value!

I conquered this through my Keto diet and Intermittent Fasting.  Read Dr. Fung’s work on fasting to learn more!

Unfortunately, the same blood work showed my Fasting Insulin still above ideal.  I know I have work to do.  I spent three decades of my life obese – it is going to take some time to get all these metabolic markers into normal ranges.  I am happy I am making progress with each and every check-up.

I do claim victory over Insulin Resistance for other reasons than the test result.  The main one being I have triumphed over all the metabolic issues I have blogged about all month!  Having battled against Insulin Resistance for these past 18 months I beat:

• Exhaustion
• Obesity
• Fatty Liver (NAFLD)
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
• Migraines and Headaches
• Inflammation and Joint Pain
• Metabolic Syndrome
• And finally – INSULIN RESISTANCE

Those are just eight major health markers I have battled and beat!  There are so many other victories I testify to:

• Cystic Acne – gone
• Acid reflux – gone
• Constipation – gone
• Insomnia – gone
• Cravings – gone
• Emotional eating – gone
• Brain fog – gone
• Self-confidence – gained
• Focus – gained
• Enjoyment in physical activity – gained
• Improved immunity – gained
• Daily mood – gained complete JOY
• Passion for helping others – gained

These are just a few off the top of my head!  My health and well-being has improved by more than 100%.  This journey has been completely amazing and has led to pure JOY!

As I close out this blog, I want to encourage you to use the Insulin Resistance (IR) Tests.  Ask your doctor for blood draws for each of the health markers listed.  Keep track of your progress.  Before you know it, you will be claiming victory over your own battles!

How has Keto or a low-carb lifestyle HEALED YOU?  I love to hear your stories.  Please share below.

Stay tuned for my October “Getting Started” series.  I will help you wrap your brain around typical beginner’s questions.

Before I close, here’s a few more links I think you will find helpful as you explore your own insulin hormone and how to improve your metabolic health.  Don’t ever give up and remember to CHOOSE JOY!

Triglyceride Glucose Index by Ted Naiman, MD

Best Diet for Insulin Resistance (+Extra Tips) by Dr. Benjamin Bikman – YouTube

A New Paradigm of Insulin Resistance by Jason Fung, MD and a YouTube video, too.

If you enjoyed this blog, I would be so honored if you would share it with your friends and family.  You can also find my blog posted on my Facebook page “Joyful Keto Life”.  Please like my page and share.  Also, please subscribe to my newsletter list below to be kept in the loop! Don’t forget to “Choose Joy”!

Installment 1 Keto Heals: {Exhaustion}

Installment 2 Keto Heals: {Obesity}

Installment 3 Keto Heals: {NAFLD | Fatty Liver}

Installment 4 Keto Heals: {OSA | Obstructive Sleep Apnea}

Installment 5 Keto Heals: {Migraines and Headaches}

Installment 6 Keto Heals: {Inflammation and Joint Pain}

Installment 7 Keto Heals: {Metabolic Syndrome}

I’ve created a free resource for you with my favorite five tips for your weight loss success. Grab it here:
5 Tips to Jumpstart Your Health and Wellness Journey