By Cellular Health Specialist Dr. Will Cole, the founder of the Cellular Health
If you or a loved one has type-2 diabetes, chances are pretty good you’ve heard the term “insulin
resistance” bandied about from time to time. But this Diabetes Awareness Month, according to
Dr. Will Cole, the founder of the Cellular Health Accelerator Program, says it’s time to get educated on
these phrases and how they tie into your cellular health – and how this knowledge can empower
you to take control of your health and your body’s needs.
Insulin resistance – one of the hallmarks of type-2 diabetes – occurs when cells in your muscles,
body fat, and liver start resisting or ignoring the signal that the insulin hormone is attempting to
put out. As a result, your muscles and organs stop grabbing glucose, the body’s main fuel source, out of the bloodstream and feeding into the cells.
Sounds grim, right? It doesn’t have to be. There are ways to retrain your cells to respond to
insulin as they should – but it all begins with what you eat and how you live. Here are some
simple lifestyle and diet changes you can implement to begin countering – and even reversing –
the negative impacts insulin resistance can have on your body.
Negative Impacts of Insulin Resistance toxins also play a big role
While diets primarily consisting of carb-heavy, processed food is largely to blame for insulin
resistance, toxins also play a big role. Researchers estimate that 30 percent of people with type-2 diabetes
are suffering from the disease because of exposure to toxic chemicals: BPAs, insecticides, and
pesticides are chief among them. These toxins settle into our bodies and inflame our cells, leaving
them too damaged to function the way they were designed.
When cells stop responding to insulin as they should, bodies lose the ability to effectively use
glucose. That glucose buildup in the blood leads to obesity, high blood pressure, and
cholesterol, often called “metabolic syndrome.” This resistance isn’t unique to
insulin; thyroid hormones can often cause similar symptoms for similar reasons.
The good news is that this resistance is treatable, often with diet and lifestyle changes. Reducing
inflammation is key to restoring cell membrane health, and by doing this sooner rather than later,
you can elevate your quality of life and ensure that these habits will help you manage your
condition for years to come.
Cut Back on sugars and refined carbs.
It’s a refrain you’ve probably heard countless times, but cutting back on sugars and refined carbs
will go a long way in encouraging and maintaining cellular health. Processed food does a lot of
harm to your body’s cellular function, and you’d be surprised at what switching to a nutrient-
dense, whole-food diet can do.
Additionally, be mindful of when you’re eating and what. Intermittent fasting – and
fasting in general – has increased the body’s sensitivity to insulin. Try restricting
your eating to an eight-hour window as early in the day as possible, and try avoiding nighttime
eating and snacking. As always, consult with healthcare professionals before making
any diet changes.
Reduce Your Toxic Load Diabetes Awareness Month
Remember all those toxins I discussed a while ago? They’re more prevalent in your everyday life
than you might think. From beauty and cleaning products to water bottles and cookware, these
toxins can leak into your food, drink, and skin faster and more often than you realize.
Invest in BPA-free cookware and food storage, and be sure not to store hot foods in plastic
containers. The same goes for microwaving; plastic can seep into your food if the food or the plastic
gets hot, so if you want to microwave something, transfer it into a glass or microwave-safe
ceramic bowl or plate before you do.
Water bottles are another common source of BPAs and other toxins. If you use a reusable water
bottle, chances are you need to clean it more often. Mold can grow
quickly on damp, dark surfaces, so be sure you’re handwashing your bottles frequently.
Also, remember that while plastic and silicone water bottles are the most popular, they’re not
the best for your health; stainless steel water bottles, while darker than their plastic counterparts,
are a much better option for toxins. Plus, those stainless
steel water bottles are better insulated than plastic if you enjoy cold water. Just make sure you wash them frequently!
Stay Active Always Diabetes Awareness Month
Again, you’ve probably heard this many times before, but it bears repeating: Whether you’re
focused on building muscle, toning up, or reducing fat, staying active every day is an important
part of ensuring cellular health and rejuvenation. Exercising at least 30 minutes a day every day
– or as much as your energy levels will allow – will go a long way in improving not just your
cellular health, but your overall health from top to bottom.
Reversing insulin resistance can be as simple as making small, sustainable lifestyle changes that
drastically improve your physical health and overall well-being. This Diabetes Awareness
Month, pay close attention to the areas where you can invest in your cellular health.
Your insulin levels, body, mind, and spirit, will thank you!
About Dr. Will Colethe, founder of the largest functional medicine group
Dr. Will Cole, the founder of the largest functional medicine group of its kind, has created the
Cellular Health Accelerator Program helps people be well, feel, and age well. He has
already helped to transform thousands’ lives and spoken on stages across the nation.
For more information.
