Diabetes, Insulin Resistance and That Weight
Around the Middle!
by Dr. Beverly Goode-Kanawati

Many of my patients complain that now they are into their middle age or earlier, they cannot take off that weight around of the middle. Difficulty metabolizing sugar comes in many different forms. One can be frankly diabetic, hypoglycemic or have insulin resistance or any combination of these. A great number of people have insulin resistance over the age of 40. The visible hallmark of this problem is that weight around the middle. When it becomes severe along with other factors (including an autoimmune component) then you are labeled "diabetic".

Let me explain insulin resistance. Insulin is a hormone which carries sugar on its back. The insulin hooks onto a site on the cell (called a receptor site a kind of doorway) where it can help sugar enter into the cell.. The sugar then goes to make energy so that the cell can do some work. Now, let's say this cell (or person) is under stress. If you have read some of my past articles you know that there are three types of stressors. One stress results from the intake too much simple sugars, a second stressor relates to allergic reactions, and the very common third condition is simply "life stress".

If the cell is in distress for too long then the cell will resist (or push away) the insulin and sugar and will not allow it through the "door" into the cell!! It gets even worse. Then the cell reduces the number of receptor sites (doorways) for the insulin to enter. What happens to the left over sugar? You got it, the left over sugar molecules combine together to make fat molecules, right around your waist!!

Insulin resistance along with other factors have been shown to increase the risks of heart attack and stroke. It is considered a risk factor for these circulatory diseases. It also contributes to fatigue. Some believe it affects the availability of active thyroid hormone as well.

There are three main areas of focus in treating these disorders. The first, of course, is diet. It is critical to avoid sources of simple sugars, including white flour (white bread and white pasta), candy, cakes, cookies, ice cream, syrups, sodas and even cooked fruit, canned fruit and fruit juice. Fresh fruit is ok. These sugary foods cause the adrenals glands to release adrenalin and cortisone which tell the cells they are in distress. This distress signal worsens the insulin resistance.

Secondly in terms of diet it is important to discover food and chemical allergies (see previous articles on this) and avoid these items. When you eat or come in contact with these items, again there is a release of these hormones of distress, worsening the insulin resistance.

The third area concerns stress reduction. Just walking for 20 minutes three or four times per week can reduce stress and help with weight loss. I also recommend yoga, tai chi or any other activity which makes you feel more relaxed.

The fourth area involves the use of nutritional supplements. In my opinion, Lipoic acid stands out as the most effective natural agent for helping reduce insulin resistance. The source of this agent is very important since it is difficult make.

I recommend the German make first as the most potent. In Europe this is used officially for Diabetic neuropathy. It is has been used and studied for a number of problems including: weight loss, to promote energy, Hepatitis C and liver repair, to help reduced heart attacks and strokes, to improve memory, and help reduce the formation of cataracts. I have treated a number of patients with great success with a number of these problems. This includes borderline diabetes, abnormal weight gain around the middle (insulin resistance) using Lipoic acid, a comprehensive mineral supplement (including chromium, vanadium and selenium) and buffered vitamin C.

Using this combination of supplements and diet many if not most can avoid taking medication or at the very least reduce their medications. Patients are happy with their weight loss and some of my patients have reported a reduction in cellulite!

The human body is an amazing, self-regulating miracle that occasionally reacts to stressors in a way that requires attention and a comprehensive approach to restore balance and homeostasis. Such balance is the foundation of good health, and with proper guidance and a fair amount of discipline, it will lead to an expression of good health that will, I guarantee you, be well worth the effort! I encourage you to give such a program a try.