Understanding & Reversing Insulin Resistance

The hidden epidemic behind diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer's, and most chronic diseases. Learn the science and take action today.

88% of adults have insulin resistance
#1 intervention: Change breakfast
30 days to see improvements
Normal Cell
Resistant Cell

What is Insulin Resistance?

The Hidden Epidemic

Insulin resistance is the most common metabolic disorder, yet it often goes undetected because doctors only measure blood glucose, missing the earliest signs of metabolic dysfunction.

Common Root Cause

Dr. Bikman's research shows insulin resistance as the "common soil" from which most chronic diseases grow - diabetes, obesity, Alzheimer's, heart disease, and cancer.

Cellular Impact

Insulin affects every cell in your body. When cells become resistant, some don't respond enough (causing dysfunction), while others respond too much (causing overstimulation).

The Process of Insulin Resistance

1

Normal State

Insulin efficiently helps glucose enter cells

2

Resistance Begins

Cells become less responsive to insulin's signals

3

Compensation

Pancreas produces more insulin to maintain blood glucose

4

Hidden Danger

Blood glucose stays normal while insulin levels skyrocket

How to Detect Insulin Resistance

Visual Signs

Acanthosis Nigricans

Dark, velvety patches of skin with "crinkled tissue paper" texture, usually around neck, armpits, or groin

Skin Tags

Small, mushroom-like growths, most common around the neck - strong indicator of insulin resistance

Blood Tests

Fasting Insulin

Optimal: ≤6 μU/mL Warning: 15-20 μU/mL Problem: >20 μU/mL

Triglyceride-to-HDL Ratio

Formula: Triglycerides ÷ HDL Optimal: <1.5 Better predictor than LDL for cardiovascular risk

Insulin Resistance Calculator

Evidence-Based Solutions

Dietary Strategy

Foods to Emphasize

  • Proteins: Eggs, fish, meat, Greek yogurt
  • Fats: Avocado, olive oil, nuts, seeds
  • Vegetables: All non-starchy vegetables
  • Fruits: Berries in moderation

Foods to Minimize

  • Refined carbohydrates: Bread, pasta, rice, sugar
  • Processed foods with added sugars
  • Excessive saturated fats

Meal Timing

Time-Restricted Eating

  • Stop eating 3-4 hours before bed
  • 16:8 intermittent fasting (16 hours fasting, 8 hours eating)
  • Melatonin shuts down insulin production at night

Lifestyle Factors

Exercise

  • Morning exercise may be more insulin-sensitizing
  • Post-meal walks for glucose control
  • Both aerobic and resistance training

Sleep & Stress

  • 7-9 hours of consistent sleep
  • Stress management (cortisol control)
  • Dark environment for melatonin

30-Day Action Plan

Follow this evidence-based plan to start reversing insulin resistance today.

Week 1: Foundation

1

Change breakfast (skip or low-insulin)

2

Remove all refined carbs

3

Add 16:8 intermittent fasting

4

Start post-meal walks

5

Optimize sleep schedule

6

Add stress management

7

Track biomarkers

Week 2: Optimization

  • Fine-tune meal timing
  • Increase exercise intensity
  • Monitor progress
  • Adjust fasting windows

Week 3: Advanced

  • Experiment with longer fasts
  • Add resistance training
  • Optimize macronutrients
  • Track biomarkers

Week 4: Maintenance

  • Establish sustainable habits
  • Plan long-term success
  • Create backup strategies
  • Schedule follow-up testing

Track Your Progress

Resources & References

Books by Dr. Ben Bikman

  • "Why We Get Sick" - Comprehensive guide to insulin resistance
  • "How Not to Get Sick" - Prevention strategies

Websites

Key Concepts

  • Ceramides - Toxic lipids blocking insulin signaling
  • mTOR - Cellular growth pathway
  • Autophagy - Cellular cleanup process
  • Metabolic flexibility - Fuel switching ability

Practical Tools

  • Continuous glucose monitors (CGM)
  • Ketone testing strips
  • Body composition scales
  • Meal planning apps

Original Research Interview

Watch the complete 2.5-hour interview with Dr. Ben Bikman on reversing insulin resistance through diet, exercise, and sleep.