Insulin resistance is a progressive condition, which means it increases in severity over time and with that the effect it has on your body.

There are several causes of insulin resistance, such as age, stress, inactivity and menopause, but the single biggest and most common cause is visceral obesity. The link between excess weight and insulin resistance is the inflammatory effect they have, which essentially causes a cascade of disruption throughout the body.

Being overweight not only affects our daily health, energy and fitness levels, but leads to serious health issues. These include: cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, systemic inflammation and also some cancers.

What are the negative consequences of insulin resistance on our health?

Insulin resistance is a primary role player of the metabolic syndrome, causing and exacerbating all of the components of the metabolic syndrome, which are raised waist circumference, dyslipidaemia, glucose intolerance and hypertension. Insulin resistance not only increases your risk of diabetes and heart disease, but also, fertility problems, skin conditions, liver and kidney disease and certain cancers - to name just a few.

If insulin resistance is not identified and managed effectively, it can lead to type 2 diabetes. It is important to react to the early signs of insulin resistance.

Excess weight is a symptom and contributing factor to insulin resistance

Maybe you are gaining a few kilograms a year? Or struggling to lose weight? Is your waist circumference more than 80cm for women or 94cm for men? Remember that with every 1cm excess you increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. The good news is that insulin resistance responds well to treatment, and the condition and symptoms are reversible. With early intervention, serious future conditions can be prevented. 

The simple solution is to eat less and exercise more, right?

But why do people still find it difficult to lose weight - despite diet and sometimes regular exercise?

The hormone Insulin largely controls your metabolism and not the thyroid gland, as many people mistakenly believe. Insulin plays a complex role in the body's ability to store fat. Insulin resistance puts your body in an excessive fat storage state, which makes weight loss very difficult. Even if you lose weight with a very strict programme, you will gain that weight back again - and even more - if insulin resistance as the underlying cause is not addressed.

The solution to weight loss is then to combat insulin resistance and optimize metabolism. This prevents further weight gain, stabilizes blood glucose, and then you start losing weight.

Insulin resistance is a complex medical condition. You need a well researched product that is scientifically supported to combat it and optimize metabolism. 

Where do you start?

It is not always easy to know where and how to improve. And everyone's experience is different. The Medical Nutritional Institute’s (MNI) assessments have been developed to help you identify various solutions to improve and support your health and wellbeing.

These include assessments for weight, stress, pain, concentration for adults and children, as well as sleep pattern assessments for adults and children.

AntaGolin Extra Strength formulation contains the InsulX2 blend of ingredients, targeting multiple biochemical pathways which play a role in glucose and fat metabolism as well as the optimization of insulin. Helping the body to store less and burn more fat.

Using the latest pharmaceutical technology, AntaGolin Extra Strength formulation contains the unique Phlorodene blend which may inhibit the reabsorption of glucose in the kidneys.  This net metabolic effect of lowered blood sugar further assists with bodyweight reduction and optimized blood sugar control. AntaGolin Extra Strength is an advanced product supported by research and experience.

MNI has a holistic approach to healthcare. Follow the insulin friendly CAPE meal plan and exercise programme, which is available to download for free from the MNI website.

For more information on MNI's product range, their product specialists are available for your support. Contact them directly at expert@mnilifestyle.co.za

Mid-Morning Magic's Yolanda Maartens spoke to Sanja van Wyk, product specialist at MNI, about managing blood sugar and preventing insulin resistance. Listen to all the episodes here: