If you have PCOS you will often hear that it is closely linked to Insulin Resistance. But just what is Insulin Resistance, and why might you be affected?
Insulin is a hormone which is vital to the body’s natural processes because it regulates our glucose levels. Every time we eat, the pancreas releases insulin to send a message to your body’s cells to tell them to use the glucose (sugar) that has been released into the bloodstream. This glucose is then used by the cells for energy. Any glucose that isn’t used immediately will be stored as glycogen which the cells can break down for further energy when you are not eating. If the glucose stays in the blood it prevents parts of the body from getting the necessary energy it needs to function and can lead to all sorts of health problems.
Insulin is also responsible for preventing the liver from releasing triglycerides (a fat) into the bloodstream after eating, which again is dangerous if it stays in the blood for too long, resulting in high cholesterol and an increased risk of heart problems and strokes.
Insulin Resistance is exactly what the name suggests. The cells of the body become more and more resistant to insulin with prolonged exposure, usually starting with the liver and then muscle tissue. The receptors in cells are “shut down” to avoid over exposure to the insulin but the pancreas responds by creating even more insulin to compensate. Over time the pancreas cannot keep up this level of insulin production leading to higher blood sugar levels which will eventually lead to Type II diabetes.
Research has shown that the modern diet plays a large role in creating insulin resistance and that it is becoming an increasing problem in our populations due to diets high in carbohydrate with lots of sugar (especially high fructose corn syrup, which is used in many processed foods).
For PCOS sufferers, research is still ongoing but it is now thought that insulin resistance may be a root cause of PCOS rather than a symptom. The excess insulin causes the ovaries to produce more testosterone and upsets the balance between male and female hormones in the body. This is turn prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs, causes an increase in weight problems and creates the cystic follicles in the ovaries that are characteristic of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. It also means that PCOS sufferers are at a higher risk of Type II Diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
The good news is that there are practical measures you can take to reverse the effects of the Insulin Resistance and prevent it leading to more serious diseases. We will explore some of these in future posts but they include following a low-gi or low-carb diet, and exercise.
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