Upon closer examination it becomes clear that RSI’s focus is on Insulin Resistance as a primary cause of numerous disease states. Our investigations seek to unravel the mystery of what causes Insulin Resistance to occur. We believe the mystery contains the answers we seek. RSI is dedicated to their discovery.
Insulin Resistance & Type 2 Diabetes
Insulin resistance can be defined as the state in which the body’s cellular insulin receptors no longer function normally. This results in the inability, at varying degrees, of insulin to enter the cells where its function is to regulate blood glucose levels. The result is an abnormal elevation of blood glucose levels or hyperglycemia.
For many decades the first line of defense against Type 2 diabetes has been a class of drugs known as sulfonylureas (secretagogues), which cause the pancreatic beta cells to produce more insulin as a means to lower blood glucose levels. While this has proven effective, its consequence is an abnormal elevation of blood insulin levels or hyperinsulinemia. Our research indicates that this instance of hyperinsulinemia down-regulates insulin receptor sensitivity and thereby exacerbates the cause of the diabetes over time.
Insulin Resistance & Pre-Diabetes
The term Pre-Diabetes refers to individuals of any age that are presenting the early markers of rapidly approaching mature onset Type 2 diabetes. It is estimated that as many as 35 million cases of pre-diabetes exist in the United States alone. Studies indicate that this relatively new phenomena is steadily increasing in the general population.
This malady is of particular interest to us, as we believe this is caused in no small way by processed foods, i.e. fast foods, and the ingestion of other exogenous toxins. It is known that these toxins disproportionately increase the ratio of ROS molecules that are contributing factors in cellular insulin receptor dysfunction - the root cause of Type 2 diabetes.
Insulin Resistance & PCOS - Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Hyperinsulinemia is believed to be one of the causal factors responsible for the condition known as PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) and is part of our continuing scientific investigations.
PCOS is a disorder of the menstrual cycle. Affecting between 6% and 10% of the population, PCOS causes ovarian follicles to rupture improperly. As a result, eggs are not released during ovulation, but instead build up within the ovaries, forming cysts. These cysts continue to grow, covering the entire ovary and affecting the production of reproductive hormones in the body.
Previous research performed over the past 20 years has suggested a link between PCOS and insulin resistance. It appears that a large number of women with PCOS have insulin resistance problems. In fact, studies show that up to 30% of women with PCOS actually present insulin resistance. Because of this research, it has now been theorized that perhaps this condition is the root cause of PCOS.
It is known that when your body becomes resistant to insulin your pancreas tries to compensate by producing more insulin. Eventually, your body will produce too much insulin and this can trigger the production of excess androgens. Androgens, like testosterone, are male hormones, which can interfere with ovulation, reproduction, and cause a number of PCOS symptoms.
PCOS associated insulin resistance is commonly treated through the use of diabetic medications. The most common, metformin, is a medication that helps to control a form of glucose production in the liver, and thereby reduces the need for more insulin. Metformin, however, has long been known to produce unwanted side effects and requires regular liver enzyme and certain other monitoring.
