INSULIN RESISTANCE – PART 2

Last week was about insulin resistance and its role in weight loss, amongst other things, and this week we are going to link the role of this metabolic disease process to heart disease through high blood pressure. You may have never heard this, but cardiovascular disease and insulin resistance go hand-in-hand. Much of or research is based on information from Dr Ben Bikman, who is a leading authority on insulin. Dr Bikman is a biomedical scientist and professor.
Genesis Health Solutions | INSULIN RESISTANCE - PART 2

Understanding the Link Between Insulin Resistance and Heart Disease

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death globally—and high blood pressure (hypertension) is one of its most common warning signs. But what many don’t realize is that insulin resistance plays a central role in both.

Insulin resistance doesn’t just affect blood sugar. It directly contributes to high blood pressure and sets the stage for cardiovascular complications. Understanding this connection is key to preventing and managing heart disease effectively.


How Insulin Resistance Leads to High Blood Pressure

1. Aldosterone and Sodium Retention

Insulin resistance is linked to elevated levels of aldosterone, a hormone that causes the kidneys to retain sodium. More sodium leads to more water retention, which increases blood volume—and ultimately raises blood pressure.

While sodium is often vilified, it’s not inherently harmful. The issue isn’t sodium itself, but the body’s inability to regulate sodium properly when insulin is high. This disrupted balance is a hallmark of insulin resistance.

2. Thickening of Blood Vessels

Insulin is also a growth-stimulating hormone. Chronically elevated insulin levels can cause the walls of your blood vessels to thicken and narrow, increasing resistance to blood flow and raising blood pressure.

To make matters worse, insulin resistance decreases production of nitric oxide, a molecule that relaxes blood vessels. Without enough nitric oxide, vessels stay constricted—and blood pressure stays high.

3. Damaging Changes to Cholesterol and Lipid Profiles

Insulin resistance often leads to unhealthy cholesterol patterns:

  • Increased small, dense LDL particles (more likely to cause plaque)
  • Elevated triglycerides
  • Reduced HDL (good cholesterol)

This dysfunctional lipid metabolism promotes oxidative stress, especially when combined with pro-inflammatory seed oils high in omega-6 fats. These damaged fats increase inflammation and plaque formation in the arteries, contributing to both high blood pressure and heart disease.


Lifestyle Strategies to Reverse Insulin Resistance and Protect Your Heart

Improving insulin sensitivity can reduce high blood pressure and significantly lower your risk for heart disease. The Genesis approach promotes a low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory lifestyle rooted in nourishment—not restriction.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Eat a Whole Foods, Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Prioritize:

  • Fresh vegetables and fruits
  • Lean proteins (chicken, fish, legumes)
  • Healthy fats (avocados, olive oil, nuts)
  • Whole grains (quinoa, brown rice)

Avoid:

  • Refined sugars
  • Processed carbohydrates
  • Industrial seed oils (canola, soybean, corn oil)

These choices stabilize blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and improve metabolic function.

2. Move Your Body Regularly

Exercise is one of the best tools for improving insulin sensitivity and heart health. Aim for:

  • Cardiovascular activity (e.g., walking, cycling)
  • Strength training (2–3x per week)

Movement helps regulate hormones, reduce blood pressure, and support weight management.

3. Manage Stress

Chronic stress elevates cortisol and worsens insulin resistance. Integrate stress-reducing practices like:

  • Meditation
  • Deep breathing exercises
  • Journaling
  • Yoga or gentle movement

4. Prioritize Sleep

Inadequate sleep affects insulin regulation and blood pressure control. Strive for 7–9 hours of quality sleep each night by:

  • Maintaining a consistent bedtime
  • Limiting screens before bed
  • Creating a calming evening routine

The Bottom Line: Heal Your Metabolism to Protect Your Heart

The connection between insulin resistance and heart disease is undeniable. But it also offers hope. With the right lifestyle changes, you can reverse insulin resistance, lower blood pressure, and dramatically improve your cardiovascular health.

The Genesis approach shows that health isn’t about restriction—it’s about reclaiming balance and vitality through informed, nourishing choices. You don’t need to rely on medication alone. Empower yourself with knowledge, take action, and give your heart the support it needs to thrive.

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