Labs and Insulin Resistance: Where On The Spectrum Are You?

12/17/24 • 15 min

Are you ready to take control of your health?
In this episode of Metabolic Minutes, Nurse Practitioner Elizabeth dives deep into the science of insulin resistance and the key lab values that help identify and reverse metabolic diseases like obesity, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. Learn how your fasting glucose, fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1c, and C peptide levels provide critical insights into your metabolic health—and what steps you can take to regain control.

What You'll Learn:

What insulin resistance is and how it affects your body
The importance of fasting glucose, insulin, and C peptide in detecting metabolic diseases
What hemoglobin A1c levels reveal about your long-term blood sugar control
How stress, poor sleep, and diet contribute to insulin resistance
Why HOMA scores are vital for understanding your metabolic health

Memorable Quotes:

"Insulin resistance is like an annoying neighbor that keeps knocking on the door—your cells just stop opening up!"
"A high fasting glucose means your liver is too busy cleaning up your diet's mess to do its actual job."
"Understanding these labs is like creating a map to navigate your way out of metabolic disease."

Resources Mentioned:

Labs to Request from Your Doctor:
- Fasting Glucose
- Fasting Insulin
- Hemoglobin A1c
- C Peptide
- HOMA IR and HOMA 2B Scores
Previous Episodes to Reference:
- Episode 1: Why Your Diet Matters for Metabolic Health
- Episode 2: Top Foods to Reverse Insulin Resistance
Recommended Reading:
- The Diabetes Code by Dr. Jason Fung
- The Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung

Take the first step towards reversing your metabolic disease by asking your healthcare provider for these key lab tests and start tracking your progress. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this episode with someone who might benefit!

What You'll Learn:

What insulin resistance is and how it affects your body
The importance of fasting glucose, insulin, and C peptide in detecting metabolic diseases
What hemoglobin A1c levels reveal about your long-term blood sugar control
How stress, poor sleep, and diet contribute to insulin resistance
Why HOMA scores are vital for understanding your metabolic health

Memorable Quotes:

"Insulin resistance is like an annoying neighbor that keeps knocking on the door—your cells just stop opening up!"
"A high fasting glucose means your liver is too busy cleaning up your diet's mess to do its actual job."
"Understanding these labs is like creating a map to navigate your way out of metabolic disease."

Resources Mentioned:

Labs to Request from Your Doctor:
- Fasting Glucose
- Fasting Insulin
- Hemoglobin A1c
- C Peptide
- HOMA IR and HOMA 2B Scores
Previous Episodes to Reference:
- Episode 1: Why Your Diet Matters for Metabolic Health
- Episode 2: Top Foods to Reverse Insulin Resistance
Recommended Reading:
- The Diabetes Code by Dr. Jason Fung
- The Obesity Code by Dr. Jason Fung

Previous Episode

How to Fuel Your Metabolism

Are you fueling your body with the right “gas” to reverse metabolic diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes?

In this episode of Metabolic Minutes, Nurse Practitioner Elizabeth unpacks the essential building blocks of a balanced diet and how they contribute to reversing metabolic diseases like obesity, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. Learn about the roles of macronutrients—proteins, fats, and carbohydrates—and discover why “premium fuel” like animal proteins and high-nutrient vegetables are key to healing your metabolism. Elizabeth also explores the hidden dangers of "dirty gas" from processed foods and GMO grains and shares practical tips for creating meals that fuel your health journey.

Whether you're battling a broken metabolism or looking to optimize your wellness, this episode offers actionable advice and empowering insights. Let’s gear up and crush your metabolic health goals!

What You’ll Learn:

The three main macronutrients and how they impact your body.
Why animal proteins are considered "premium fuel" for metabolic health.
The differences between clean and dirty carbohydrates, including a breakdown of grains and fruits.
The role of healthy fats and micronutrients in sustaining energy and repairing your body.
Practical tips on meal composition for metabolic healing.

Notable Quotes from This Episode:

“You are a fine luxury car. Don’t fill your tank with dirty gas.”
“Everything you eat should be in balance. Aim for premium gas and high-mileage oil for sustained energy and healing.”
“If your metabolism is broken, you need to retrain your body to metabolize carbohydrates effectively.”

Tune in now and take the first step toward repairing your metabolism!

Next Episode

Eating to Live vs. Living to Eat: Balancing Nourishment with Mindful Enjoyment

Do you find joy in food, or is food your only joy?
In this episode of Metabolic Minutes, Nurse Practitioner Elizabeth explores the difference between "living to eat" and "eating to live." Through personal stories, practical tips, and humor, discover how to transform your relationship with food, balance your meals, and find joy in other aspects of life. Perfect for those managing metabolic health challenges like obesity, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes.

What You Will Learn:

How to identify if you're "living to eat" and ways to shift your mindset.
Practical grocery shopping tips to focus on healthier choices.
Simple ways to find joy and hobbies beyond food.
Why eating to live supports long-term metabolic health and balance.

Key Quotes:

"You might be living to eat if your brain is basically a snack playlist. Shuffle play: pizza, onion rings, donuts."
"Living to eat makes food the main event of your day. Eating to live makes food the fuel for bigger joys."
"Shop the perimeter of the grocery store—your body will thank you!"

Show Notes:

Personal Story: Elizabeth shares her experience with gestational diabetes and how it transformed her view of food.
Humor Spotlight: Jeff Foxworthy-inspired "You might be living to eat if..." segment.
Practical Tips:
- Shop the perimeter of the grocery store for nutritious options.
- Explore hobbies like gardening or DIY projects to find joy outside of food.
- Start with small changes, like meal prepping or focusing on balanced snacks.
Reflection Challenge: Identify where you find joy daily and explore new ways to cultivate happiness beyond food.

This week, reflect on your relationship with food. Are you finding joy beyond the plate, or does food dominate your thoughts? Start small—prep meals, pick up a new hobby, or focus on balanced choices. A healthier, happier lifestyle starts with intentional steps.

Perfect for anyone managing metabolic health, including obesity, prediabetes, or type 2 diabetes. Tune in now and take the first step toward a balanced life!

Metabolic Minutes - Labs and Insulin Resistance: Where On The Spectrum Are You?

Transcript

[00:00:00] Introduction to Metabolic Minutes
---
Elizabeth, NP: What is happening is the muscle cell doors are getting fatigued of seeing. Insulin and glucose hanging outside its door all the time. It's like an annoying neighbor. Hello, can I get just one more ride? I promise I won't ask again.
Voice-Over: Welcome to Metabolic Minutes, the show where veteran nurse practitioner Elizabeth is going to break down all the science y stuff about how to reverse metabolic syn