Insulin Resistance

This is partially a reply to MOMADUKE, and partially because I think is is a really important thing for people in our age group to be aware of.  While insulin resistance can appear at any age, especially among the obese, it becomes more common with age.  It is frequently the precursor to diabetes.  It makes it hard to lose weight.  It can be treated with diet and exercise, but not just any diet.  Basically, you should eat like you already have diabetes.  To lose weight successfully, you need to be especially careful with sugar and simple carbohydrates.

Here is a really good writeup on Insulin Resistance:

http://www.healingdaily.com/detoxification-di et/insulin.htm

While they are selling something on that site and a bit extreme about grains, the science is sound.  A low glycemic diet and exercise have been found in a couple of well done studies to prevent the onset of diabetes in insulin resistant people.  It worked even better than medication.  So, if you are having unusual problems losing weight and your bloodwork fits the description on that site, or even if you don't know if it does, try keeping the glycemic index of your meals low (http://www.glycemicindex.com/) and get out and exercise.

Thank you for this post on glycemic index.  I am having trouble losing weight though I am making a concerted effort.  I checked some of the information and researched other sites as well.  I think my GI is pretty good, but I will make some adjustments. 

Appreciate the information.  For the first time ever, my MD said blood tests last April showed my fasting glucose to be in the "pre-diabetic range" at 102.  His advice was to lose weight and exercise with a goal of dropping my weight from the then 135 (I'm 5'4") to 120-125 lbs.  I have dropped about four pounds thus far and started strength training and walking/a little "jogging".  Wow is it rough at age 55!  I have noticed that I used to lose my abdominal fat first, now it appears more stubborn since I fully reached menopause this year.  VERY tenacious.  Anyone else experiencing this? 

Hi Asheville Sue.

I'm 59, 5'4" and started out a month ago at 134.5 with a goal of 125, so we are pretty similar.  I haven't had my blood glucose level tested in a few years, and it was just fine previously, but I'm thinking I should check it soon.

I've just started on the Zone diet.  I bought the book by Dr. Barry Sears (The Zone), and have been greatly impressed with the lengthy and very comprehensive research he did on lipids, cholesterol, insulin, glucose, etc.  The Zone diet is based on that research and it requires balancing the macronutrients for every meal and every snack (protein, fat, carbs) throughout the day.  Simple carbohydrates are very restricted, even the more complex carbs that have higher glycemic index (break, potatoes, carrots, etc.). 

I've been adhering to the diet for about a week, and am surprised to see the weight starting to drop.  I had been "holding" at 131 for a couple of weeks, despite heavy workouts at the gym, heavy yardwork, yoga, etc., but after following the diet for a few days, I weighed in at 129.5 this morning.  I honestly think it has to do with the way this diet affects the entire system, endocrine, digestive, everything.  I had been having awful bloating and abdomenal pain, during the "pre-Zone" diet days when I was counting calories but not paying attention to the BALANCE of the calories with respect to nutrients.  I'm not having any bloating or abdominal pain anymore, and I attribute it to the drop in carbs and overall balance in nutrients throughout the day.

By the way, the Zone diet is not just a food diet, it includes a specific exercise plan as well.

Do you know about the Zone?  I think it's worth a look.  And good luck!  I'm sure you'll get to where you want to be. 

I'd like to evesdrop on your jounaling--especially as it concerns GI.  I was told that I'm pre-diabetic, and I know I can't lose weight now like I used to when I was younger (and leaner).  I got some good information from the website and I'll make some adjustments.  I remember copying off the GI diet from e-diets when I was a member there.  I'll dig it out and follow it--see if it makes a difference.  I just started yesterday on CC, and so far I've gained a pound (typical for me on diets). \

Connie

Connie, that would be fine.

I'm not sure how diligent I'll be with the journaling, however.  We'll see.  I'm dealing with a bad allery/cold/respiratory or sinus infection now, so am stepping back a bit from intense activities for a day or two til it clears up.  Still sticking with the Zone diet (food part), and I have to say I feel pretty good in every other way but upper respiratory!

Joyce