Question on insulin/diabetes

[Sgt. Hartman]

I have a sister that is becoming insulin resistant(type 2 diabetes) but not yet to the point that she is "diabetic". She is extremely overweight - about 5' 6" and probably 220lbs. She gets no exercise or cardio and from what I can tell has a terrible diet although it's hard to tell b/c I only see her at family functions etc. She has a prescription for glucophage but she doesn't take it b/c it upsets her stomach and makes her feel like shit. The problem is anytime anything is brought up about her weight, she uses the diabetes excuse for her weight problem. She talks about it non-stop and I'm sick of her using insulin resistance as an excuse for being a fat ass.

I am trying to do research and educate myself about insulin and diabetes so I can have an intelligent conversation with her to convince her to eat and diet properly and start cardio - so she doesn't slowly kill herself. My main question is this: How is insulin resistance an excuse for being overweight?? I know this is what she's gonna say - I cant lose weight cause I have diabetes - wa wa wa. Everything I'm reading says that insulin transports glucose and proteins to our muscles(great for BB), glucose for storage to the liver, and fats to fat deposits. It seems that someone who is insulin resistant would atrophy and lose weight as the nutrients would not be stored properly and eventually eliminated via kidneys and urine.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong and any info would be appreciated.

[SlimmerMe]

Bump....there are a few people here who might really help you. Hold tight.

ps: in the DIET Question forum there is a thread going now about insulin resistance. One main thing is that she needs to eat many times a day. But as far as the science behind it, I will be curious to hear this myself. Do you happen to know her fasting glucose level?

[GirlyGymRat]

Sgt. Hartman...I have been boarder line diabetic for years, and just recently had to take an oral medicine which I am trying to get off by using diet to control sugar levels. I have lost 25 lbs from my "maximum density" and have kept it off for years while being insulin resistent. Being diabetic doesn't mean you can't loose weight - that i a just plain crapola. The problem that I see is that you want her to stop the bull and lose weight, BUT UNTIL SHE wants it as much as you do, it ain't gonna happen. She should be thankful to have a concerned brother. Next time she brings up the subject, tell her my story. I just got some advice from the guys in the diet forum and am implementing the food changes starting today. The key is to limit simple sugars and to eat complex carbs that don't spike the insulin, eat plenty of veggies, but very little fruit and lots of lean protein. And to eat often 5 times a day with small meals. And don't forget exercise, but really is is 80% diet. Maybe she will want to be a member and get some help!!

[SlimmerMe]

I was hoping you would chime in, girlgymrat. i too think I am insulin resistant. And want to get some more test taken. Are you completely off your medication now? and did it help while on it?

As far as the insulin being something BB's want yet it is not good to have insulin resistance, this is a good question. I hope someone helps to clarify this.

I also understand this might not be the correct forum for this and might belong in another forum. But....I would like to know what in the heck the difference it would be for insulin with insulin resistance compared to/ and the desire for insulin for BB's. This has been on my mind.

[GirlyGymRat]

I was hoping you would chime in, girlgymrat. i too think I am insulin resistant. And want to get some more test taken. Are you completely off your medication now? and did it help while on it?

As far as the insulin being something BB's want yet it is not good to have insulin resistance, this is a good question. I hope someone helps to clarify this.

I also understand this might not be the correct forum for this and might belong in another forum. But....I would like to know what in the heck the difference it would be for insulin with insulin resistance compared to/ and the desire for insulin for BB's. This has been on my mind.

SMe. Excess insulin encourages the proliferation and growth of smooth muscle ceslls in the linings of the arteries, so I think that is why BB take it to support muscle growth..perhaps this would be a good question to ask on a new thread.

Insulin resistance occurs when cells become resistant to insulin and begin to malfunction. The cells require more insulin to remove sugar from the blood. Whereas before, the cells needed just a bit to lower sugar, now they need a continuous supply of excess insulin to keep the blood sugar in normal range. During this phase, the blood sugar level would be tested as normal, but a blood draw of blood insulin level would determine that insulin is elevated, called hyperinsulinemia or insulin resistance. Left untreated, this will lead to high blood pressure, higher cholesterol, diabetes and excess weight. There are meds for these symptons, but only one way, according to Dr. Michael Eades and Dr. Mary Dan Eades, to treat hyperinsulinemia is.......DIET.

As you may know, I have started a new diet today, to lose weight and get off the sugar medicine. I am not on insulin...yet, but need to make a lifestyle change. I get tested in a few weeks and won't get the results until later this month. I have an active lifestyle and exercise alot so I don't have high blood pressure and pretty soon, I won't have any excess body weight too!! It is all good!!!! Diet is the key...diet as a lifestyle.

[SlimmerMe]

THANK YOU, ggr! great explanation. I appreciate it. And am glad you are on a diet instead of medication.
I do, however still want to get tested anyway just to make sure.

So...here is my question then to the BB"s: Would insulin resistance be something a skinny BB would want? to help put on weight? wondering if this would be the case.

[Sgt. Hartman]

Thanks, girlgymrat that's exactly the kind of info I was looking for. Good luck on your new diet! I read your thread in the diet forum - those guys (gbrice, damien, & others) really know their stuff and alot can be learned from them.

Slimmer - I have never posted in this forum before but have been using it for a while for research/education on GH and have learned a ton from you and others. Thanks - keep up the good work!

[SlimmerMe]

Thanks, girlgymrat that's exactly the kind of info I was looking for. Good luck on your new diet! I read your thread in the diet forum - those guys (gbrice, damien, & others) really know their stuff and alot can be learned from them.

Slimmer - I have never posted in this forum before but have been using it for a while for research/education on GH and have learned a ton from you and others. Thanks - keep up the good work!

THANK YOU, Sgt and you are so welcome! Keep hanging out. Lots more to take in around here!

[ScotchGuard02]

Good info, thanks

[GirlyGymRat]

Thanks, girlgymrat that's exactly the kind of info I was looking for. Good luck on your new diet! I read your thread in the diet forum - those guys (gbrice, damien, & others) really know their stuff and alot can be learned from them.

Thanks for the well wishes on my journey and those guys on the diet forum are awesome. If your sis is interested, she can get them to help her too!!