How Sugar Is Making Us Sick — And What’s Really Going On With Our Metabolism

If you feel like everyone around you is struggling with low energy, stubborn weight gain, blood sugar crashes, hormonal imbalances, or chronic inflammation — you’re not imagining it.

A widely cited statistic reveals that nearly 88% of adults show signs of metabolic dysfunction. That includes insulin resistance, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, or excess visceral fat. But here’s the bigger question:

What’s actually making us sick?

According to metabolic scientist Dr. Benjamin Bikman, the root cause isn’t just calories, genetics, or aging — it’s chronically elevated insulin, driven largely by excess sugar and refined carbohydrates.

And once you understand insulin, everything starts to make sense.

The Sugar Problem We’re Not Talking About

Sugar is everywhere. Not just in desserts — but in salad dressings, sauces, “healthy” snacks, yogurts, protein bars, oat milks, and even foods marketed as clean or natural.

When we consume sugar (or refined carbs that quickly turn into sugar), our blood glucose rises. In response, the body releases insulin, a hormone whose job is to move glucose out of the bloodstream and into cells.

Insulin itself isn’t the villain — it’s essential.The problem is constantly elevated insulin, day after day, meal after meal.

This is where Dr. Bikman’s work becomes especially powerful.

What Dr. Benjamin Bikman Teaches About Insulin Resistance

Dr. Benjamin Bikman is a metabolic scientist and Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology, host of The Metabolic Classroom podcast, and author of Why We Get Sick.

His core message is simple but profound:

Chronic disease begins with insulin resistance.

When insulin is high too often:

• Cells stop responding properly

• Blood sugar stays elevated longer

• Fat storage increases

• Inflammation rises

• Hormones become disrupted

Over time, this can contribute to:

• Type 2 diabetes

• Cardiovascular disease

• Fatty liver disease

• PCOS

• Cognitive decline

• Hormonal imbalance

• Chronic fatigue

This isn’t about willpower. It’s about physiology.

PCOS, Blood Sugar & Why This Hits Close to Home

As someone living with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), I’m acutely aware of how food directly impacts my body.

PCOS is strongly linked to insulin resistance, even in women who appear “healthy” or are at a normal weight. For many of us, blood sugar spikes can worsen:

• Hormonal imbalance

• Inflammation

• Cravings

• Energy crashes

• Weight gain around the midsection

I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way) that what I eat — and how often I spike my glucose — matters more than calories ever did.

And that awareness has shaped both my personal habits and the way I cook for my clients.

Why Sugar Affects Women Differently

Women are especially vulnerable to blood sugar dysregulation because insulin directly influences:

• Estrogen

• Testosterone

• Cortisol

• Ovulation

When insulin is chronically elevated:

• Androgens may rise (a common PCOS issue)

• Ovulation can be disrupted

• Fat loss becomes harder

• Mood and energy fluctuate

This is why many women feel like they’re “doing everything right” — eating low-fat, exercising more — yet still feel inflamed, exhausted, or stuck.

Tools That Support Blood Sugar & Insulin Sensitivity

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution, but these are tools that many people (myself included) find incredibly supportive.

Berberine

Often called “nature’s metformin,” berberine has been shown to:

• Improve insulin sensitivity

• Lower blood glucose

• Support metabolic health

• Be especially helpful for PCOS

It’s not a magic pill — but when paired with diet and lifestyle changes, it can be a powerful ally.

Spearmint Tea

Spearmint tea is gentle but impactful, particularly for women with PCOS:

• May help lower excess androgens

• Supports hormonal balance

• Can reduce inflammation

It’s a simple daily ritual that feels nourishing rather than restrictive.

Low-Carb or Ketogenic Eating

Reducing sugar and refined carbs allows insulin levels to come down — giving your body space to heal.

Benefits many people experience:

• More stable energy

• Fewer cravings

• Reduced inflammation

• Improved hormone balance

• Better mental clarity

This doesn’t mean perfection. It means intentional choices that support your metabolism instead of constantly stressing it.

This Isn’t About Fear — It’s About Awareness

Sugar isn’t evil. But chronic overconsumption in a modern food environment absolutely matters.

Dr. Bikman’s work reminds us that:

• Metabolic health is foundational

• Insulin is a master hormone

• Food is powerful information for the body

For me, this isn’t about restriction — it’s about freedom. Freedom from constant crashes, cravings, and confusion.

A Gentle Invitation

If you’re feeling tired, inflamed, or disconnected from your body — it may not be because you’re doing something wrong.

It may be because your metabolism is asking for support.

Small shifts — fewer sugar spikes, more protein, intentional carbs, blood-sugar-friendly meals — can create profound changes over time.

And you don’t have to do it perfectly. You just have to start listening to your body.