Is your blood sugar “normal”… but you’re exhausted, gaining weight, and craving sugar?

In this episode of The Heal Deal Podcast, Dr. Leona Allen breaks down one of the most overlooked root causes behind stubborn weight gain, fatigue, cravings, and rising blood pressure—even when your labs look “fine”: insulin resistance.

You’ll learn why fasting glucose and A1C are late markers, how insulin resistance can silently build for years, and why the real issue isn’t your blood sugar number—it’s the metabolic dysfunction happening underneath it.

If you’ve ever been told, “Your labs are normal,” but your body doesn’t feel normal, this episode will give you clarity and confidence. This is your roadmap to understanding the pattern, advocating for deeper testing, and addressing the real drivers behind your symptoms—before a diagnosis ever appears.

✅ Why glucose is considered a late marker of metabolic dysfunction ✅ How insulin resistance develops quietly while blood sugar stays “normal” ✅ The common symptoms most people experience first: fatigue, belly fat, cravings, brain fog ✅ Why fasting insulin is rarely checked—and why it matters ✅ Key markers and patterns to watch for (fasting insulin, HOMA-IR, triglyceride/HDL ratio) ✅ How insulin resistance connects weight gain, blood pressure, cholesterol, and hormones ✅ The most common drivers: processed foods, stress, poor sleep, low muscle mass, inflammation ✅ What actually improves insulin sensitivity—without starving yourself ✅ The questions to ask your doctor to get clearer answers ✅ Why early intervention is the easiest window for reversal

▶️ Take the Metabolic Reset Quiz: TheMetabolicResetQuiz.com

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I'm making a deal with you to help you remove the physical, chemical, and emotional barriers holding you back from healing. All I need from you is to feel, deal, and heal. Those are the terms—that is The Heal Deal.

If you enjoyed today’s episode, seal the deal to heal by leaving a review and sharing this episode with someone who needs it.

Thank you for listening! Until next time, go out there and achieve more freedom in your health and your life. Take care.

— Dr. Leona Allen Host, The Heal Deal Podcast Founder, Freedom Health Systems Author: A Journey to Healing | Freedom in Chains | Shop & Savor

This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, exercise, or health regimen—especially if you are taking medication or managing a chronic condition