I - INSULIN RESISTANCE
You may well have come across the term insulin resistance already, especially if you have certain medical conditions, but what does it mean, why is insulin important and how exactly does it affect your fertility?
Insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas, helps to convert glucose into energy which is essential for keeping blood sugar levels stable. Insulin Resistance occurs when there is either not enough of the hormone insulin in the body, or when the body cannot use it. A lack of insulin or ability to use it effectively will therefore result in high blood sugar levels which can in turn have a significant impact on your fertility.
Insulin resistance can be linked to age, being overweight and certain medical conditions such as Diabetes and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). Do bear in mind though that insulin resistance induced PCOS is only one variant and not all women who are diagnosed with PCOS will experience insulin resistance.
How Insulin Resistance affects Fertility
In order for your hormonal system to function correctly, all hormone levels need to remain balanced. The shift in balance caused by insulin resistance therefore directly impacts the regulation of other hormones as your endocrine system attempts to correct itself.
As blood sugar levels start to rise, the pancreas will start to overcompensate, producing more and more insulin. Oestrogen and Progesterone levels will also become unbalanced and Follicle Stimulation Hormones (FSH) and Luteinising Hormones (LH) will also be directly affected, hindering follicle development. An excess of insulin will eventually cause testosterone levels to also rise which in turn can stop ovulation entirely.
Should fertilisation still occur however, insulin resistance can impact the embryo’s development and inhibit successful implantation in the uterus, increasing chances of miscarriage. As a vital hormone for aiding fertility, it is essential insulin levels are stabilised to increase your chance of a successful pregnancy.
Medical Treatment
Metformin is generally prescribed to help regulate blood sugar levels and works by making your body more sensitive to insulin to inhibit the amount of glucose released from your liver. Metformin is typically used to treat conditions such as PCOS and Type 2 Diabetes and can be quite an effective treatment when it is combined with a healthy diet and exercise.
Other ways to lower insulin levels
Blood sugar levels can be reduced naturally through diet and exercise. Generally you should focus on eating low GI (Glycemic Index) foods and avoid refined sugars, white bread and processed foods. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, leafy greens, lean meat and healthy fats such as avocados or salmon is very beneficial. Regular exercise is also key to improving your insulin levels naturally.
Here at NNFP we can help you to make changes to your diet and lifestyle and set realistic goals.
How NNFP can help
If we believe you are likely to be suffering from insulin resistance we will look to confirm this through a ‘fasting insulin’ blood test. If this test reveals insulin resistance we can advise on diet and lifestyle, recommending ways to naturally bring your system back into balance. We also offer other treatments such as acupuncture which stimulates the nervous system and can help to increase insulin sensitivity and decrease blood glucose and insulin levels. We will however devise an individual plan that is best for you.