INSULIN RESISTANCE

Insulin resistance is a serious condition that affects over 50 million Americans. Your pancreas produce insulin but your body does not use it properly. Over time this leads to Type 2 diabetes, damage to the heart and blood vessels. Usually people who have excess weight around the waist, high blood pressure and abnormal levels of cholesterol in the blood are prone to insulin resistance.

If you have a several of these problem it's referred to as metabolic syndrome. The National Diabetes Clearing House states that if you have at least 3 of the below symptoms please get checked immediately.

• Men's waist measurement of 40+ and women 35+.

• Triglyceride levels of 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or above, or taking medication for elevated triglyceride levels.

• HDL, or good cholesterol level below 40 mg/dL for men and below 50 mg/dL for women, or taking medication for low HDL levels.

• Blood pressure levels of 130/85 or above, or taking medication for elevated blood pressure levels.

• Fasting blood glucose levels of 100 mg/dL or above, or taking medication for elevated blood glucose levels.

To check your body mass index (BMI) visit National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. The BMI measures your body fat based on your height and weight.

If you're concerned about your health, please see a qualified doctor immediately.