The Connection Between Insulin Resistance, Diabetes, and Heart Disease - A Functional Medicine Perspective

Insulin resistance is often the first step in a chain reaction that leads to type 2 diabetes and increases the risk of heart disease. It occurs when the body’s cells stop responding effectively to insulin, a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar. To compensate, the pancreas produces more insulin, but over time, this system becomes overwhelmed. As insulin resistance progresses, blood sugar levels rise, eventually leading to prediabetes or diabetes. However, insulin resistance can exist for years before diabetes is diagnosed, silently causing damage to the body.

Both insulin resistance and diabetes significantly accelerate the risk of heart disease. Insulin resistance contributes to inflammation, high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and damage to blood vessels—all of which are key drivers of cardiovascular disease. Even in people without diabetes, insulin resistance alone has been shown to increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

As an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner (IFMCP), I use advanced lab testing to identify early signs of insulin resistance—long before it progresses to diabetes or causes noticeable symptoms. These tests provide a deeper understanding of how your body processes insulin and sugar, going beyond standard glucose or cholesterol tests. With this information, I create personalized treatment plans that focus on reversing insulin resistance through sustainable lifestyle changes. This includes practical strategies that are rooted in science—not fads or trends—helping you achieve better metabolic health while reducing your risk of heart disease.