With the increasing conversation about prediabetes and type 2 diabetes you’ve likely heard the terms insulin resistance and it’s opposite insulin sensitivity. Another term that’s entered our lexicon with the epidemics of obesity and type 2 diabetes is metabolic syndrome…a group of symptoms which at its core is insulin resistance.

Think of metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes as a continuum.

What follows are simple explanations of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome along with action steps to put them in reverse or at least slow their progression over time. 

Insulin Resistance Defined
Insulin resistance most often occurs in people who are overweight. It’s particularly common in people who carry excess weight around their middle – waist line. An apple-shaped figure is often associated with insulin resistance. The medical term is central adiposity.

Research is snowballing pointing to deficient vitamin D levels as one factor contributing to the onset of both type 1 and 2 diabetes.

Key learnings from my recent attendance at the American Diabetes Association meeting are sinking in. One clear take away on the nutrition front is the push to eat more fiber for all its health benefits including disease prevention, increased satiety, help with weight control and more.