Insulin Levels and your Health

---

Insulin levels aren't normally the topic of conversation. However if they are high it should be.

Before I started my journey for a healthy lifestyle, I was at a higher risk of developing Insulin Resistance Syndrome and/or Type II Diabetes because my levels were elevated and I had gestational diabetes during my last pregnancy.

The hormone insulin helps carry the glucose or sugar to the cells in your body. The pancreas produces more insulin than needed when the cells of the body become resistant to the efforts of insulin. The result can be insulin resistance syndrome.

In women high levels may increase the risk of developing:

1. Polysystic Ovarian Syndrome which is characterized by amenorrha (irregular menstrual cycles)
2. Hirsutism - extreme faciial hair
3. Severe acne
4. Enlarged ovaries
5. Breast cancer progression - excess insulin might promote growth of cancer cells
6. Hampers weight loss
7. Endometrial cancer
8. Heart disease

Insulin levels should be checked yearly. Elevated levels can cause the pancreas, through time, to stop producing enough insulin to take glucose to the cells in the body, this can result in diabetes.

Elevated levels or Insulin Resistance Syndrome itself does not cause symptoms. However, some women will experience fatigue and lack of energy due to increased levels.

If levels are high then diabetes might be the results. One way to identify whether you have elevated levels is Acanthosis Nigricans. "Acanthosis Nigricans" is a skin condition that signals elevated insulin levels in the body. Acanthosis Nigricians is a light-brown to black, velvety, rough or thickened lesion on the surface of the skin. It is usually found around the neck, axillae and over the knuckles.

It has been estimated that 90% of women with Acanthosis Nigricans has insulin resistance syndrome.

You are at risk if you

• are overweight - especially midsection weight
• have been diagnosed during pregnancy with gestational diabetes
• have elevated levels

The good news is that exercise and proper nutrition will improve your health concern quickly. By eating right, losing weight, losing 16% of your body weight improves glucose metabolism by 100%, and being active you can help your body learn to become more sensitive to insulin and lower your levels. You will know your healthy and nutritional lifestyle is working because any acanthosis nigricans markers will begin to fade.

---

From Insulin Levels to Women Health Concerns

---