Just because your blood sugar test results come back within the normal range you can't assume that your blood sugar metabolism is healthy! Many individuals who have high Cholesterol levels also have a condition known as Insulin Resistance. (Although it can occur with normal Cholesterol levels too).

What is Insulin Resistance?

Insulin Resistance is a pre-diabetic condition, characterised by sugar cravings and is considered a major factor in Metabolic Syndrome*. As sugar cannot gain entry through the cell walls, it results in fat being transferred and stored in your liver. People with Insulin Resistance will generally have blood sugar levels in the normal range when they undertake a standard blood sugar test. Therefore, a specific Glucose Tolerance test to measure Insulin Resistance is required.

What does the Glucose Tolerance Test Involve?

This can be obtained from your local GP and involves blood being taken in the morning, followed by the administration of a 'sugar load' (glucose drink). Then blood is taken again 2-3 hours later. This test determines if the sugar is readily entering the cells or if there are high levels of resistance. Commonly you will have fat accumulation around your abdomen if you are Insulin Resistant. Both Insulin Resistance and a fatty liver can be readily treated using the principles of natural medicine as practiced by a Naturopath. If you would like help to reduce your Cholesterol level, achieve a healthy liver and insulin metabolism with natural supplements, come and try our Cholesterol Management Program. See more more details on Cholesterol Management in this article... * Metabolic syndrome is a combination of medical disorders that, when occurring together, increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Find out more about Metabolic Syndrome on Wikipedia