Understanding your body’s signals and reclaiming blood sugar balance
If you've ever felt like you're doing “everything right” but still struggling with low energy, stubborn weight, or brain fog, you might be dealing with something more than lack of willpower—something called insulin resistance.
Let’s break it down.
What is insulin resistance?
Insulin is a hormone made by your pancreas that helps move glucose (sugar) from your bloodstream into your cells, where it's used for energy. Insulin resistance happens when your cells stop responding properly to insulin’s signals. As a result, your body needs to produce more insulin to get the same job done.
Over time, this can lead to high insulin and blood sugar levels in your blood—a combination that sets the stage for prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and even hormonal and cardiovascular issues.
Who might have it?
Insulin resistance is surprisingly common, especially in modern lifestyles. You may be at risk if you:
- Carry excess weight, particularly around your midsection
- Lead a sedentary lifestyle
- Have a history of gestational diabetes or PCOS
- Have high blood pressure or abnormal cholesterol
- Experience chronic stress or poor sleep
- Eat a diet high in processed foods and added sugars
- Have a family history of diabetes
You don’t need to check every box—sometimes, even lean, active people can have insulin resistance due to other factors like stress, inflammation, or disrupted circadian rhythms.
Common (and overlooked) symptoms
Insulin resistance doesn’t always show up on a blood test until it’s advanced. Here are some clues your body might be giving you:
- Cravings for carbs or sugar (especially after meals)
- Energy crashes or fatigue after eating
- Difficulty losing weight despite consistent effort
- Increased belly fat
- Brain fog or poor concentration
- Skin tags or dark patches (often around the neck or armpits)
- Irregular periods or symptoms of PCOS
- Feeling “hangry” between meals
These may seem minor or disconnected, but together, they tell a story.
What causes it?
Insulin resistance doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a slow build, often driven by a mix of:
- A diet high in refined carbs and sugar: Spikes and crashes in blood sugar wear out the system
- Lack of physical activity: Movement helps your cells stay sensitive to insulin
- Chronic stress: Cortisol (your stress hormone) raises blood sugar; daily tension adds up
- Poor sleep: One bad night can reduce insulin sensitivity; chronic sleep loss magnifies this
- Hormonal changes: Menopause, PCOS, and even testosterone imbalances can contribute
- Environmental toxins and inflammation: Ongoing low-grade inflammation can interfere with insulin signaling
Why blood sugar balance matters
Balanced blood sugar isn’t just about preventing diabetes. It’s about helping your body and brain feel steady, supported, and safe. When your blood sugar is stable, you’re more likely to experience:
- Sustained energy
- Fewer cravings
- Sharper mental focus
- Better hormone regulation
- A healthy body composition that’s easier to maintain
- Healthier aging and reduced risk of chronic disease
Even small, consistent changes can dramatically improve insulin sensitivity, like walking after meals, prioritizing protein, reducing ultra-processed snacks, getting quality sleep, and learning to manage stress.
How Shed can help
At Shed, we understand that lifestyle changes are essential—but they can be hard to do alone. That’s why we offer weight-loss medications like Metformin + Naltrexone + Topiramate, and GLP-1 options that may help support your appetite regulation and blood sugar control. These medications may be a powerful tool to help reduce insulin resistance and build momentum while you work on long-term habits. Paired with Shed supplements like GLP-1 Boost and GLP-1 Revive, expert Health Coaching, and our metabolic nutrition plan, our approach is designed to help you feel better and enact change that feels possible and sustainable.
The bottom line
Insulin resistance is common, but it's not your destiny. Your body isn’t broken—it’s trying to protect you. With the right tools, you can rebuild and feel more in control of your energy, mood, and metabolism.
If this resonates with you, know that you’re not alone, and there’s a path forward.
Written by: Kory Morse, M.S., Head of Member Education at Shed
Kory is a certified holistic health and life coach with a Master of Science in Integrative and Functional Nutrition, specializing in research, biochemistry, and systems biology. As Head of Education at Shed and a member of the supplement research team, she blends scientific expertise with a compassionate, curiosity-driven approach to support lasting, sustainable change. Her mission is to make health feel accessible, empowering, and deeply personal.
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