Could You Be Insulin Resistant?

Here’s How to Know—and What to Do

Let’s talk about something a lot of people have but don’t realize until their pants start getting tighter and their energy’s in the tank: insulin resistance.

It’s sneaky, common, and often missed—especially if your labs are “normal” but you still don’t feel like yourself.

So What Is Insulin Resistance?

Think of insulin as a key that helps sugar get into your cells to be used as energy. When your cells stop opening the door, sugar stays in your blood instead—and your poor pancreas has to work overtime pumping out more insulin to compensate.

Over time, this can lead to prediabetes or type 2 diabetes… but it doesn’t have to.

Signs You Might Be Insulin Resistant

Here’s what people often notice (even before labs catch it):

• Tired all the time—especially after eating

• Cravings for sugar or carbs that just won’t quit

• Weight gain, especially around the belly

• Brain fog or feeling “off” mentally

• Hungry again 30 minutes after a meal

• Dark, velvety patches of skin (neck, underarms, etc.)

  
  

If that list sounds a little too familiar, it might be time to dig deeper.

Labs That Can Give You Clarity

Ask your provider (or work with someone who gets it) to check:

• Fasting insulin (anything over 5 uIU/mL can be a warning sign)

• Fasting glucose (over 100 is a big red flag that something is amiss)

• Hemoglobin A1c (your 3-month average blood sugar level. Over 5.7 and you're already prediabetic!)

• HOMA-IR (a formula that helps assess insulin resistance)

Spoiler: you don’t need to wait until your A1c is borderline-diabetic to take action.

Okay, Now What?

The good news? You can absolutely turn this around. Here’s where to start:

• Walk daily — even 10-15 minutes after meals can make a big difference

• Cut back on sugar and refined carbs — your cells will thank you

• Focus on protein + fiber to keep blood sugar steady

• Drink more water (it’s underrated!)

• Sleep well + manage stress — they matter more than you think

  
  

Next Step: Don’t Guess

If you're nodding along to all of this, it might be time to stop wondering and get some real answers.

I help people figure out what’s really going on with their blood sugar—and create a plan that actually works for your body.

👉 Want to know where you stand? Let’s talk. [Click here to schedule a No Charge Preliminary Consultation]

Here for you!

Dr. Julie