The Cortisol Connection
 
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Quick Facts

Diseases Indicated by Excessive Abdominal Fat

  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Stroke
  • Insulin resistance
  • Diabetes
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The Connection Between Cortisol, Stress & Insulin

Overview

Insulin acts on individual cells to allow cells to absorb glucose. Insulin resistance occurs when insulin is present at normal or high levels in the bloodstream, but does not allow cells to accept glucose. The result is high glucose as well as high insulin levels in the bloodstream. Obesity itself can trigger insulin resistance.

Risk Factors of Insulin Resistance, Pre-Diabetes and Type 2 Diabetes

  • Physically inactive
  • Giving birth to a baby more than nine pounds or being diagnosed with gestational diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • HDL (good cholesterol) below 35 mg/dL
  • Triglycerides level above 250mg/dL

Normal Blood Sugar Model

In a normal body with regular, healthy food intake, food is converted to blood sugar. This sugar is used to run cells and body systems. Excess sugar is stored for later energy needs.

Insulin Resistance Model

Insulin is the "transportation" molecule that moves sugar into your cells. When you constantly over eat, your body produces too much insulin and your will eventually become insulin resistant. Insulin resistant cells struggle to get needed energy from the blood stream. Blood sugar levels rise, and the body is forced to store the excess blood sugar as fat.