Do you feel like no matter how hard you try, losing weight is impossible? Are you tired, irritable, or dealing with constant cravings? These symptoms aren’t just about willpower—they could be signs of insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome, two silent conditions affecting millions of Americans.
At Reform ABQ, we believe understanding these conditions is the first step toward reclaiming your health.
💉 What is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin is a powerful hormone made by your pancreas. Its main job is to help your body use glucose (sugar) from the food you eat for energy. But when your cells stop responding properly—a condition known as insulin resistance—your body produces more and more insulin in an attempt to maintain normal blood sugar.
Over time, this leads to:
Weight gain (especially around the belly)
Fatigue
Sugar cravings
Increased risk for Type 2 diabetes
Many people don’t realize they’re insulin resistant because fasting blood sugar tests can look normal for years while damage is happening behind the scenes.
⚠️ What is Metabolic Syndrome?
Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that cluster together, increasing your chances of heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease.
The main markers include:
Increased abdominal fat
High blood pressure
High fasting blood sugar
High triglycerides
Low HDL (“good” cholesterol)
Having three or more of these is a red flag that your metabolism is struggling—and insulin resistance is often the driving force.
📉 How Does This Impact Your Weight, Mood, and Energy?
Weight Gain and Stubborn Belly Fat
With insulin resistance, your body is stuck in fat storage mode. No matter how clean you eat or how much you exercise, your cells resist burning fat because of high insulin levels. This often shows up as belly fat, which is the most dangerous type of fat for your heart and liver.
Mood Swings, Brain Fog, and Anxiety
Unstable blood sugars caused by insulin resistance can leave you feeling irritable, anxious, or experiencing "brain fog." Many patients describe being unable to concentrate or feeling like they’re on an emotional roller coaster.
Constant Fatigue
When your cells can’t use glucose efficiently, it leaves you tired—especially after meals. Many people describe a cycle of crashing in the afternoon and relying on caffeine or sugar for a temporary pick-me-up.
🧬 Why Do We Monitor Insulin Levels at Reform ABQ?
Most traditional medical practices only test fasting glucose or Hemoglobin A1C to screen for diabetes. But these numbers often stay normal until you’re already deep into insulin resistance.
At Reform ABQ, we go a step further by testing your fasting insulin levels—because this gives us the earliest signal that your metabolism is struggling.
📊 What the Research Says:
Elevated fasting insulin—above 10 uIU/mL—is linked to a higher risk of Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, fatty liver disease, and even certain cancers.
Insulin resistance is tied to chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, and increased visceral (belly) fat.
Conditions like PCOS and even cognitive decline are worsened by insulin resistance.
Early detection of elevated insulin allows us to intervene before you develop irreversible health problems.
🔬 What Other Labs Do We Check—and Why?
Your health is complex, and no single test tells the whole story. That’s why we use a comprehensive lab approach to fully assess your metabolic and hormonal health:
Lab Test | Why It’s Important |
Fasting Insulin | Detects early insulin resistance before glucose rises. Goal: < 8 uIU/mL |
Hemoglobin A1C | 3-month average of blood sugar—screens for prediabetes/diabetes |
Fasting Glucose | Snapshot of blood sugar but limited alone without insulin |
Lipid Panel (Triglycerides/HDL) | High triglycerides and low HDL signal insulin resistance and heart risk |
High Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) | Inflammation marker linked to insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk |
Liver Enzymes (AST/ALT) | Elevated levels could signal fatty liver disease, common in insulin resistance |
Thyroid Panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4) | Low thyroid function worsens insulin resistance and weight gain |
Vitamin D | Low vitamin D is connected to insulin resistance and poor immune health |
Testosterone and Sex Hormones | Imbalances worsen insulin resistance, especially in PCOS or low testosterone cases |
🔄 How Can You Reverse Insulin Resistance?
Here’s the good news—insulin resistance is reversible with the right plan. At Reform ABQ, we focus on evidence-based strategies to help you regain control of your weight, mood, and energy.
✅ Balance Your Blood Sugar
Prioritize protein, fiber, and healthy fats with every meal.
Cut back on processed carbs, sugar, and sugary drinks.
✅ Move Daily
Exercise improves how your body uses insulin.
Resistance training and walking are especially powerful.
✅ Manage Stress and Sleep
Chronic stress and poor sleep worsen insulin resistance.
Our team helps you develop sustainable routines to protect your hormones.
✅ Targeted Medications or Supplements (When Needed)
Some patients benefit from GLP-1 medications like Semaglutide or Tirzepatide, which improve insulin sensitivity and aid weight loss.
Supplements like berberine, magnesium, and omega-3s may also support metabolic health.
🧠 Why This Matters: You’re Not Broken—It’s Your Metabolism Asking for Help
If you’ve been told that weight gain, mood swings, or fatigue are “just part of getting older,” we’re here to tell you that’s not true. These symptoms are often your body’s way of signaling metabolic dysfunction.
At Reform ABQ, we specialize in looking deeper to find the root cause—so you can stop guessing and start healing.
📌 Ready to Take Control of Your Metabolic Health?
Our comprehensive Metabolic Health Program helps patients reverse insulin resistance, lose weight, and feel like themselves again—with data-driven care designed just for you.
📞 Schedule your consultation today at (505) 420-6979 or visit www.reformabq.com to get started.
You don’t have to live exhausted, frustrated, or stuck. Let’s work together to rebuild your health—one lab result at a time.
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