When glucose (insulin) levels are off then feeling tired, hungry, and gaining weight are all common.  Many have brain fog, headaches, and other symptoms. It is easy to have them brushed off by doctors as normal aging.  However, these symptoms are not normal if you are eating well, have a low-sugar diet and exercise often.

I had a patient in her mid-40’s who struggled to lose the 25 lbs. of baby weight after her second child.  Exhausted and overweight she got her fasting insulin and thyroid levels checked. All her results came back in the normal ranges.

It's important to know that “normal ranges” often have abnormal symptoms.  It is very likely a healthy individual on paper is actually not normal! My patient’s blood sugar came back at 98 mg/dl and her thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) was 2.7. 

The American Diabetes Association believes normal fasting glucose is below 100 mg/dl.  A pre-diabetic glucose level is 100-125 mg/dl. If your glucose level is in that range, there is already a big problem.  These guidelines miss the diagnosis of insulin resistance in 41 to 50 percent of the cases.

Recent medical studies have shown that fasting glucose levels should be less than 87 mg/dL.  Anything above that is borderline and suggests insulin resistance. Fatigue, belly fat, sugar cravings, and difficulty with weight loss all show up.

I continued testing the levels of my patient and they ranged between 95-119. The most recent research showed she was pre-diabetic.  Her inability to lose weight and her fatigue became clear.

I advised my detoxification program in The Hormone Reset Diet.  I created this to reset the seven hormones of metabolism, including insulin.

The specific tactics that helped my patient included the following:

• Start the day with a protein shake that contains < 1 gram of sugar.  She used the Reset360 shake.

• Add extra fiber to the shake to help reset insulin.
  

• Berberine and insulin sensitizers reduce resistance. They are also found in my products Detox Essentials or Aging Essentials.

• Drink more filtered water with apple cider vinegar. I recommend 2 to 3 large glasses of 12 to 16 ounces of water with 1 tablespoon of vinegar to help reset insulin.

• Exercise at least 30 minutes per day. (Read The Hormone Reset Diet for more info on exercise that resets your hormones.)

After the three-week detox program in my book, the blood sugar of my patient was no longer borderline.  It stabilized between 75-85 mg/dl. She was able to lose weight, and she regained her energy. Tactics in The Hormone Reset Diet became her habits, and the ability to cope with stress improved!

To test your blood sugar at home, read this article on how to get started with a small device that costs about $25.  Empower yourself to find the balance and health you need to survive and feel alive!