Insulin Resistance & Metabolic Syndrome
Personalized care for insulin resistance and metabolic health
Care in Howard County and Across Maryland
Meet with Dr. Andrea Ridgeway for in-person appointments on Mondays in Woodbine or virtual telehealth throughout Maryland.
Start with a Clarity Consult from $195. If you decide to proceed, ongoing care is $225 per month. Laboratory and medication costs are separate.
What Is Insulin Resistance & Metabolic Syndrome?
Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells respond less effectively to insulin. The pancreas may produce more insulin to help maintain blood glucose levels. Over time, some people develop elevated blood glucose or other metabolic risk factors, though the course varies.
Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors that can include increased waist circumference, elevated blood pressure or blood sugar, high triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol. Together, these factors raise the risk of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Personalized nutrition, movement, and medical support can improve insulin sensitivity and metabolic health.
Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms associated with insulin resistance & metabolic syndrome include:
- Weight gain, especially visceral (abdominal) fat
- Difficulty losing weight despite diet and exercise
- Fatigue, especially after meals
- Sugar and carbohydrate cravings
- Brain fog and afternoon energy crashes
- Elevated fasting blood sugar or HbA1c
- High triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol
- Skin tags or darkened skin patches (acanthosis nigricans)
- PCOS symptoms in women
- Increased inflammation markers
What Causes Insulin Resistance & Metabolic Syndrome?
- Dietary patterns high in refined carbohydrates can contribute to insulin resistance, alongside factors such as physical activity, sleep, genetics, and overall health
- Sedentary lifestyle and lack of muscle mass
- Chronic stress and elevated cortisol
- Poor sleep quality and sleep deprivation
- Hormonal imbalance (declining estrogen, testosterone, or thyroid hormones)
- Chronic inflammation and gut dysfunction
- Genetic predisposition
How Soluna Vitality Treats Insulin Resistance & Metabolic Syndrome
Our approach starts with advanced metabolic testing and a personalized care plan that addresses the hormonal, nutritional, and lifestyle factors relevant to your health.
Advanced metabolic testing: fasting insulin, glucose, HbA1c, lipid panel, inflammatory markers
Insulin sensitivity assessment and metabolic risk profiling
Personalized nutrition planning focused on blood sugar stability
Hormone optimization, as hormonal imbalance can be both a cause and consequence of insulin resistance
Evidence-based supplement protocols (including berberine when appropriate)
Exercise and movement guidance targeted at improving insulin sensitivity
Stress and cortisol management
Ongoing monitoring and treatment adjustments
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have insulin resistance?
Many people with insulin resistance have no obvious symptoms in the early stages. Warning signs include stubborn belly fat, sugar cravings, fatigue after meals, and difficulty losing weight. The most reliable way to assess insulin resistance is through lab testing, including fasting insulin, fasting glucose, and HbA1c. At Soluna Vitality, we include these markers in our comprehensive metabolic panels.
Can insulin resistance be reversed?
Insulin resistance can often improve with targeted care. Nutrition, regular physical activity, sleep, stress management, and, when appropriate, medication can support better insulin sensitivity and metabolic markers. Your care plan can be tailored to your lab results, health history, and goals.
What is the connection between hormones and insulin resistance?
Hormones can influence insulin sensitivity, body composition, and blood sugar regulation. Their role varies from person to person, and hormone changes are one part of metabolic health. Dr. Ridgeway can review your symptoms, lab results, and health history to determine whether hormone evaluation or treatment should be part of your care plan.
Is insulin resistance the same as prediabetes?
Not exactly, but they are closely related. Insulin resistance is the underlying mechanism that can eventually lead to prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. In the early stages of insulin resistance, your blood sugar may still be normal because your pancreas is overproducing insulin to compensate. This is why testing fasting insulin, not just blood sugar, is so important for early detection.
Related Conditions
Insulin Resistance & Metabolic Syndrome is often connected to other hormonal and metabolic conditions. Learn more:
Ready to Address Your Insulin Resistance & Metabolic Syndrome?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ridgeway to discuss your symptoms, get comprehensive testing, and create a personalized treatment plan designed specifically for you.