» Insulin Resistance
DEFINITION: In the almost 30 years I've been practicing medicine many concepts of what used to be called "Alternative Medicine" are now being validated by science. The recent recognition of the molecular toxicity of glucose or sugar is one example. Scientifically called Metabolic Insulin Resistance, this condition is most commonly associated with increased body fat. It may also be associated with high blood pressure, high blood fats, hormone imbalance and premature cardiovascular disease. Insulin Resistance represents a state of hormone receptor resistance to the normal REGULATORY effects of insulin that causes fat deposition at the expense of energy production. Clinically, Insulin Resistance is associated with increased centralized body fat, high blood pressure, high triglycerides, polycystic ovary syndrome and premature cardiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke. Syndrome-X and Stein-Levanthal Syndrome are names used by physicians to describe two of the syndromes caused by and associated with Insulin Resistance. From a body chemistry perspective, Insulin Resistance represents a state of target cell receptor resistance to the normal physiologic effects of insulin. This results in prolonged elevations of blood insulin and sugar, thus stimulating fat deposition at the expense of adequate cell energy production.
DIAGNOSIS: The main difference between diabetes and Insulin Resistance is that Insulin Resistance is reversible, whereas diabetes, by definition is not reversible. The diagnosis of Insulin Resistance should be suspected in any case of unexplained increase in body fat, especially when resistant to dieting. In addition, increased central body fat that is associated with an abrupt on set of hormone imbalance (pregnancy, birth control pill use, menopause, puberty). Many "subjective" clinical symptoms of Insulin Resistance resemble very closely low thyroid or low blood sugar and are often confused with them. Formal laboratory diagnosis uses the oral glucose tolerance test while simultaneously testing blood insulin levels, a very expensive and time consuming method. A "short cut" used in the real world is to use a test called Hemoglobin A1C (Glyco-Hemoglobin). This test measures "glycemic control" in diabetics, but a high normal range also gives a very clear picture of the relative "inactivity" of insulin ("Insulin Resistance"). This test should be repeated following 3 or 4 months of treatment to monitor and evaluate the effects of therapy.
TREATMENT: Individualized Metabolic Typing is essential to selecting the proper approach to treatment. Metabolic Insulin Resistance is best treated by using a three part program: First, a high protein, low carbohydrate, low fat diet diet; Second, regular exercise, including consideration of External Counter-Pulsation (ECP) Therapy, and Third, treatment to increase or enhance the sensitivity of the insulin receptor using pharmaceutical drugs or the Homeopathic Integrative use of herbs or selected essential minerals. All three parts to this program are essential for long term success. If you suspect that insulin resistance is a problem for you or a loved one call the Bio Health Center for a consultation with Dr. Edwards or one of the certified staff. This problem can be identified and managed with proper guidance. Correct diagnosis, patient education and understanding the choices are the keys to long term success with this condition... and at Bio Health Center we believe it is All about your personal health care choice.
"No where in today's managed care, third party, media circus does anyone present the the patient and clinical practitioners philosophy... For years I listened to the insurers, managers, experts, professors, news pundits, bureaucrats and opinion makers. But I ultimately realized that I still had to sleep at night. From all third party perspectives any clinical practice is, in essence, 'anecdotal.' So now I listen first and foremost to my conscience. I had good teachers, good mentors and loyal patients as well. Although I think 'science' is important, technology, politics and economics are not science. The professional oath I took upon becoming a physician was to relieve patient suffering, honor those who taught me, teach those willing to learn and reveal no information shared with me in confidence. It didn't have anything to do with third parties. That oath is our philosophy at Bio Health Center..."
- David A. Edwards, MD, HMD
