93% of our population is metabolically healthy. What does that mean? It means that 93% of us do not have our blood sugar and insulin under control. This lack of control over blood glucose and insulin is a serious problem with potential endpoints like cancer, Alzheimer’s and other chronic disease.

Metabolic health refers to how well your body processes energy from food. Being metabolically flexible means that your body can efficiently shuttle glucose from the blood into your organs without having to overproduce insulin. It means having optimal levels of blood sugar, cholesterol, blood pressure, and a healthy waist circumference without using medications. It’s crucial because it impacts every aspect of your body’s functioning.

• Lack of Physical Strength: Reduced energy levels and muscular function.
• Lack of Mental Clarity: Decreased cognitive functions and can lead to brain fog and poorer mental performance.
• Lack of Emotional Resilience: Creates mood instability and increases susceptibility to stress and depression

• If your blood insulin is high, the most effective way to reduce it is by changing how/when you eat. Intermittent fasting and restricting carbohydrates to low glycemic vegetables can be very helpful.
• Regular Exercise: Particularly strength training and cardio to improve insulin sensitivity.
• Adequate Sleep: Ensuring 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support metabolic processes.

• Work with your functional medicine doctor to check your fasting blood sugar and insulin. Results within “normal” range do not mean that your health is optimal. You want your insulin to be towards the lower end of the range.
• Your doctor might recommend using a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) to understand your body’s response to various foods and self-correct when choosing your meals.
• Adding in a brisk walk after meals can bring your blood sugar and insulin down faster. Strength training is a great way to bring insulin down as well.
• Check fasting insulin anytime you do your labs.