Lipoedema and insulin resistance: What you need to know

Lipoedema and insulin resistance are two disorders that are often linked, but still poorly understood. Still, this interaction could play a key role in worsening symptoms and difficulty losing weight.

What are the signs of insulin resistance? Should you get tested when you suffer from lipoedema? And above all, how can you adapt your diet and lifestyle?

Today, it is estimated that approximately One in ten women is affected by lipoedema, a chronic disease with a hormonal and genetic component. It changes the structure of adipose tissue, which becomes more fibrous, bulky, painful and heavy.

1 - What is insulin resistance?

Insulin resistance (or insulin resistance) is a common metabolic disorder. It occurs when the body's cells respond less effectively to insulin, a hormone that is essential for regulating blood sugar levels (blood sugar).

In this case, glucose is less well absorbed by the cells and remains in the blood. To compensate, the pancreas produces more insulin. In the long term, this overproduction can lead to hyperglycemia, promote the development of type 2 diabetes and maintain a state of chronic low-grade inflammation.

2 - What are the symptoms of insulin resistance (insulin resistance)?

Insulin resistance often sets in silently, without obvious signs for years. However, there are some clues that can put a flea in the ear:

• Persistent fatigue, especially after meals, linked to variations in blood sugar levels.
• Weight gain focused on the abdomen, a sign of visceral fat accumulation.
• More frequent hunger, sometimes accompanied by sugar cravings, caused by rapid fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
• The appearance of darker areas of skin around the neck, armpits, or skin folds.

3 - Is there a link between lipoedema and insulin resistance?

Several studies suggest a link between lipoedema and insulin resistance. An Italian study conducted among 360 women with lipoedema showed that about one in three patients showed signs of insulin resistance (30.7%).

In addition, 32.2% of participants had early abnormalities in carbohydrate metabolism, such as mildly elevated blood glucose or reduced glucose tolerance.

These metabolic disorders were more common in the advanced stages of lipoedema, especially in the presence of associated obesity or when the arms were also affected. However, it is important to note that insulin resistance can appear in the early stages of lipoedema.

High levels of insulin promote fat storage and can increase swelling, contributing to worsening symptoms of lipoedema.

These results remain to be confirmed by other studies, But they reinforce the hypothesis of a metabolic link between these two pathologies.

Discover the link between lipoedema, histamine and insulin : Lipedema, Histamine and Insulin: Discover Mae's Testimonial

4 - Why is it important to do an insulin resistance test when you suffer from lipoedema?

When you suffer from lipedema, it is essential to better understand how your body works, including the factors that can promote inflammation.

Lipoedema is a chronic and progressive disease; its management is based on several complementary approaches. Conservative methods, such as wearing compression garments or lymphatic drainage, play an important role. However, power is also a key lever.

However, not all dietary approaches are created equal, especially if insulin resistance is present. Indeed, this metabolic disorder can accentuate inflammation and increase the risk of developing other pathologies, such as type 2 diabetes.

That's why it's important to know if you have insulin resistance. This allows you to adapt your lifestyle and diet more precisely. A diet that is simply "anti-inflammatory" may sometimes not be enough if a glycemic imbalance is underneath.

In addition, certain symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth, acne or difficulty losing weight can suggest polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). often associated with insulin resistance.

In all cases, support from a health professional is recommended in order to obtain an accurate diagnosis and appropriate care.

5 - Which specialist should I consult to be diagnosed with insulin resistance in France?

To diagnose insulin resistance, the reference specialist is the endocrinologist-diabetologist. Here are the recommended approach and the professionals to consult:

• Make an appointment with Your Primary Care Physician (general practitioner) so that he or she can prescribe the first blood tests (fasting blood glucose, insulinemia, HOMA-IR calculation) and guides you if necessary.
• Then make an appointment with an endocrinologist or diabetologist to confirm the diagnosis, assess the risk of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes and set up appropriate care.
• You can also consult a Nutritionist: this can treat insulin resistance, often linked to a metabolic syndrome, by working on diet and physical activity.

Key diagnostic tests:

Diagnosis is usually based on the calculation of the HOMA-IR index (based on fasting blood glucose and insulinemia) or oral hyperglycemia (OGTT).

6 - How to reduce insulin resistance naturally?

The management of insulin resistance is mainly based on lifestyle measures:

• Eat a balanced diet : limit fast sugars and favor Foods with a low glycemic index, high in fibre.
• Practice regular physical activity: Sport directly improves insulin sensitivity.
• Lose weight if necessary, especially belly fat.
• Improve sleep and reduce stress, two factors that are often underestimated
• In some cases, drug treatment such as Metformin can be proposed.

Don't forget to check out a general practitioner or an endocrinologist-diabetologist in order to assess the situation, confirm the diagnosis and set up appropriate care.

Conclusion

Lipedema is frequently accompanied by other disorders, including hormonal imbalances or chronic diseases.

For example, lipoedema and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) are two distinct pathologies, but often associated, as well as the endometriosis. They share common mechanisms, such as chronic low-grade inflammation and insulin resistance. PCOS can also aggravate the symptoms of lipoedema.

The precise links between lipoedema and these associated pathologies are not yet fully elucidated. However, the hormonal fluctuations and inflammatory processes seem to play a key role in their development and interaction.

To remember:

• 1 in 3 women with lipoedema has insulin resistance
• Insulin resistance promotes chronic inflammation
• It can Worsen the symptoms of lipoedema
• A test (HOMA-IR or OGTT) is used to make the diagnosis
• Diet and physical activity are important Key levers

If you suspect insulin resistance, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor or a specialist for personalized support.

FAQ: Lipoedema and insulin resistance

Does lipedema cause insulin resistance?
Lipedema does not directly cause insulin resistance. On the other hand, these two disorders are often associated, especially due to chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalances.

Should you do an insulin resistance test?
Yes, especially if you are tired, gain abdominal weight or difficulty losing weight, or symptoms related to PCOS.

Can insulin resistance be improved?
Yes, thanks to an adapted diet, regular physical activity and a healthy lifestyle.

What diet should I adopt in case of lipoedema?
A diet with a low glycemic index, rich in fiber and anti-inflammatory is generally recommended. In the case of insulin resistance, a more targeted adaptation may be necessary with the help of a healthcare professional.

Keep reading:

• Nutrition & Excercise for Lipoedema Management
• 9 tools that can help you relieve the symptoms of lipoedema on a daily basis.
• Lipoedema fact Vs myths: understanding the truth behind the condition

References:

• LipoClinic Dr. Heck Lipedema – associated and secondary diseases: underestimated & neglected. Available on: https://www.lipo.clinic/fr/sequelles-du-lipoedeme/
• Haute Autorité de Santé (HAS). Measurement of insulin resistance and insulin secretion. Available on: https://www.has-sante.fr/jcms/r_1498730
• Patton L. et al., Observational Study on a Large Italian Population with Lipedema: Biochemical and Hormonal Profile, Anatomical and Clinical Evaluation, Self-Reported History, International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024