The Hidden Epidemic: Why Insulin Resistance May Be at the Root of Chronic Illness (And What You Can Do About It)

A Silent Epidemic Affecting Millions

Did you know that insulin resistance (IR) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) may be the root cause of most chronic diseases we see today? Conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Alzheimer's, and even certain cancers all share one thing in common: they are deeply linked to metabolic dysfunction.?

Yet, most people don’t hear about insulin resistance until they’re already diagnosed with one of these conditions. What if we could prevent or even reverse these diseases by tackling the problem at its source?

My PhD research focuses on?using digital platforms and social media to empower individuals with evidence-based strategies for preventing and managing metabolic health disorders. But before we get into that, let's explore why this topic is so important.?

What Is Insulin Resistance (And Why Should We Care)?

Insulin is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels. When we eat, our body releases insulin to move glucose from the bloodstream into our cells, which are used for energy. However, our bodies are constantly bombarded with insulin signals due to modern dietary habits—high sugar intake, processed foods, and frequent eating. Over time, cells become resistant to insulin’s effects, meaning more and more insulin is needed to do the same job.?

This vicious cycle leads to high blood sugar, chronic inflammation, and metabolic damage, ultimately increasing the risk of diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and even cognitive decline (often referred to as “Type 3 diabetes” in the case of Alzheimer's) [1][2].?

The scary part? Most people don’t even know they are insulin-resistant. It can take years before symptoms appear, and the damage is already underway by then.?

Why Is Insulin Resistance So Common Today?

A century ago, metabolic diseases like type 2 diabetes were rare. Fast forward to today, over 500 million people worldwide have diabetes, with 1.3 billion projected by 2050 [3]. What changed??

1. Ultra-Processed Diets: Modern diets are rich in refined carbohydrates, sugars, and industrial seed oils, all promoting insulin resistance [4].?

2. Frequent Eating: Unlike our ancestors, who had natural periods of fasting, we now eat every few hours, keeping insulin levels chronically high [5].?

3. Sedentary Lifestyles: We move less than ever, reducing insulin sensitivity in our muscles.?

4. Chronic Stress & Poor Sleep: Both contribute to hormonal imbalances that worsen metabolic dysfunction.?

The good news? Insulin resistance is reversible—often without medication.?

A Digital Revolution in Metabolic Health

For too long, managing metabolic health has been reactive rather than proactive. Many people only receive help after developing serious health complications.?

However, digital platforms and social media are emerging as powerful tools in changing this reality with forward-thinking healthcare professionals such as Prof. Eric Westman and Prof. Benjamin Bikman, as well as influencers such as Dave Mac. My PhD research, with the supportive contributions from Prof. Aneesh Zutshi explores how social media, digital tracking tools, and online health communities can:?

? Provide evidence-based dietary and lifestyle interventions that improve insulin sensitivity?

? Help individuals track key metabolic markers (blood sugar, fasting insulin, and more)?

? Foster support communities that encourage behavioural change?

? Empower individuals with knowledge to prevent and reverse insulin resistance?

This will be the focus of my research—and in future posts, I’ll be sharing insights, case studies, and practical steps you can take to optimize your metabolic health.?

Let’s work together to reverse insulin resistance and reclaim our health! ??

#MetabolicHealth #InsulinResistance #DigitalHealth #Prevention #Type2Diabetes #Fasting #SocialMediaForHealth

References & Sources

[1] Reaven, G. M. (1988). Role of Insulin Resistance in Human Disease. Diabetes, 37(12), 1595–1607. https://doi.org/10.2337/diab.37.12.1595

[2] Zhao, X., An, X., Yang, C., Sun, W., Ji, H., & Lian, F. (2023). The crucial role and mechanism of insulin resistance in metabolic disease. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 14. https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2023.1149239

[3] Ong, K. L., Stafford, L. K., McLaughlin, S. A., Boyko, E. J., Vollset, S. E., Smith, A. E., Dalton, B. E., Duprey, J., Cruz, J. A., Hagins, H., Lindstedt, P. A., Aali, A., Abate, Y. H., Abate, M. D., Abbasian, M., Abbasi-Kangevari, Z., Abbasi-Kangevari, M., Abd ElHafeez, S., Abd-Rabu, R., … Vos, T. (2023). Global, regional, and national burden of diabetes from 1990 to 2021, with projections of prevalence to 2050: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021. The Lancet, 402(10397), 203–234.

[4] Slater, S., Lawrence, M., Wood, B., Serodio, P., & Baker, P. (2024). Corporate interest groups and their implications for global food governance: mapping and analysing the global corporate influence network of the transnational ultra-processed food industry. Globalization and Health, 20(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1186/S12992-024-01020-4/FIGURES/6

[5] Obermayer, A., Tripolt, N. J., Pferschy, P. N., Kojzar, H., Aziz, F., Müller, A., Schauer, M., Oulhaj, A., Aberer, F., Sourij, C., Habisch, H., Madl, T., Pieber, T., Obermayer-Pietsch, B., Stadlbauer, V., & Sourij, H. (2023). Efficacy and Safety of Intermittent Fasting in People With Insulin-Treated Type 2 Diabetes (INTERFAST-2)—A Randomized Controlled Trial. Diabetes Care, 46(2), 463–468. https://doi.org/10.2337/dc22-1622