8) What Is Insulin Resistance — And How Does It Relate to Diabetes?

In this episode, we coverInsulin resistance is one of the most common and underexplained metabolic conditions affecting women today, yet many women are living with it without knowing, experiencing symptoms like fatigue, afternoon energy crashes, brain fog, irregular cycles, and blood sugar swings.Insulin is a vital hormone produced by the pancreas that acts like a key to unlock your cells so glucose can enter and be used for energy. When resistance develops, those locks become stiff, forcing your pancreas to pump out more and more insulin just to keep blood sugar stable.Insulin resistance does not develop from personal failure. It is driven by a combination of factors including excess body fat (particularly around the abdomen), chronic stress, poor sleep, physical inactivity, certain medications, hormonal changes across the menstrual cycle, and emerging research around gut health and meal timing.Women face unique risks because of how oestrogen, progesterone, and cortisol interact with insulin sensitivity across different life stages, making conditions like PCOS, gestational diabetes, and perimenopause particularly connected to insulin resistance.Insulin resistance is progressive but not inevitable. The earlier you understand what is happening in your body and take action, the more capacity your pancreas has to respond, making education and personalised support a critical first step.Work With NainaIf you're ready to improve your blood sugar while also healing your relationship with food, there are a few ways we can work together.1:1 Coaching – The Blood Sugar for Freedom MethodMy signature coaching program is designed to help you stabilise blood sugars, reduce cravings and energy crashes, and step out of the cycle of restriction and burnout with food.→ Apply to work with mehttps://form.typeform.com/to/akG6iaqhSingle Nutrition SessionsIf you prefer a one-off consultation, you can book a standalone session where we focus on your specific challenges with blood sugar, food, and eating patterns.→ Apply to work with mehttps://form.typeform.com/to/akG6iaqhConnect With MeWebsite: www.nainavarma.comInstagram https://www.instagram.com/naina.varmaaEmail [email protected], review & shareIf you enjoyed this episode, make sure you subscribe so you never miss a new one.Leaving a review helps more people find the podcast and access this information.Share this episode with someone you know who would love this podcast.DisclaimerThis podcast is for educational purposes only and does not replace individualised medical or nutrition advice.