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Published Mar 5, 2024

549. Ask Dr. G: Hidden Causes of Insulin Resistance

Dr. Sarah Gottfried and Jeff Krasno delve into the hidden causes of insulin resistance, exploring how factors like chronic cardio, genetics, and ethnicity contribute to this condition even in active individuals, while emphasizing the importance of personalized strategies such as combining resistance training with effective stress management for optimal metabolic health.
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  • Hidden Causes

    and Dr. Sarah Gottfried explore the hidden causes of insulin resistance, even in individuals who lead active lifestyles. Dr. Gottfried shares her personal experience with insulin resistance despite maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, highlighting the role of chronic cardio and genetics. Jeff also reflects on his own experiences with cardio exercises and the unexpected glucose spikes they caused, questioning the long-term benefits for insulin sensitivity 1 2.

    I was a chronic cardio type and a runner... it just was driving my cortisol high, which is kind of another way of creating insulin resistance.

    --- Dr. Sarah Gottfried

    This discussion emphasizes the need for personalized approaches to managing insulin resistance beyond conventional wisdom.

       

    Genetic Influences

    Genetic predispositions play a significant role in insulin resistance, as Dr. Gottfried explains, with certain genes like the thrifty gene influencing how the body stores fat. She discusses how individual genetic variations can affect responses to different diets, such as the Mediterranean or Paleo diets, and how these can lead to insulin resistance if not aligned with one's genetic makeup 3.

    There's thousands of gene, gene interactions. It's such a complex phenomenon, and we're still not totally on top of it.

    --- Dr. Sarah Gottfried

    This complexity underscores the importance of understanding one's genetic profile to tailor dietary and lifestyle choices effectively.

       

    Ethnicity and Risk

    Certain ethnicities are more predisposed to insulin resistance due to both genetic factors and social determinants of health. Dr. Gottfried highlights the increased risk among Latinx and Native American populations, as well as the impact of racial weathering and limited access to healthcare in Black communities 4.

    There's a way that black women are holding stress and racism and discrimination, and it's got major downstream health consequences.

    --- Dr. Sarah Gottfried

    This exploration calls for a broader understanding of how social and environmental factors contribute to health disparities in insulin resistance.

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