Understanding Insulin Resistant PCOS — My Story and Simple Fixes That Actually Help!

 

You know how they say "you are what you eat?"

Well, for us with Insulin Resistant PCOS... it feels more like "you look like everything you eat!" Especially if it has sugar in it.

Hey HealthierHer, 

Welcome back to our space!

Now, this topic is really close to my heart because this is the type of PCOS I personally deal with.

If you’ve been following my journey, you know I’ve shared how I got diagnosed with PCOS. Honestly, my first experience wasn’t the best — the doctor literally told me “don’t worry, it’s not life-threatening” and sent me off with birth control pills. No information, no guidance, nothing. 

And guess what? I believed him.

But deep down, birth control pills didn’t feel right for me. While on them, I noticed I was gaining weight so fast, and the facial hair around my chin area? Out of control! This was barely a year after I moved to Canada.

Funny enough, I’m sure I had PCOS even while I lived in Korea, but the symptoms weren’t as loud as they were here in Canada. Maybe it’s the food, maybe the water or even the air, who knows? but something in Canada turned the volume all the way up on my PCOS symptoms. 

I went from a size 8 to a size 16 in under a year!

And then… my period disappeared completely.

Worried sick, I visited another clinic, this time, the doctor was a breath of fresh air. He sent me for tests and when the results came back, there it was again — PCOS. 

But this time, I also got the label pre-diabetic slapped on me.

This doctor didn’t just leave me hanging though, he referred me to a gynecologist and a nutrition clinic, explained that my body was producing too much insulin, and advised me to reduce my sugar intake and get moving with light exercises.

For the first time, I realized that what I was eating could actually be harming me more.

So, What is Insulin Resistant PCOS?

Let’s break it down simple-simple like I love to do 

→ Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use sugar from your food for energy.
→ Insulin Resistance means your body isn’t using that insulin properly. Your body is like "Nah sis, we don’t recognize this insulin guy anymore." 

So, your pancreas keeps producing MORE insulin thinking that's the solution., which leads to… weight gain, sugar cravings, irregular periods, and that stubborn belly fat that refuses to leave!

Symptoms of Insulin Resistant PCOS may look like:

• Sugar cravings (especially after meals)

• Weight gain mostly around your belly

• Skin darkening around neck or armpits

• Feeling tired and sleeping off after eating carbs

• Irregular periods

• Facial hair growth (chin, jawline)

• Acne or oily skin

• And worst of all — pre-diabetes risk 

So, How Do You Manage It?

Here’s what’s helped me (and many others):
✅ Cut down on sugar and processed carbs (don’t eliminate, just balance)
✅ Eat more whole foods — protein, healthy fats, and fibre are your besties
✅ Move your body — walking, dancing, stretching all count
✅ Stress less (I know, easier said than done!)
✅ Get good sleep — your hormones love rest
✅ And if you can, work with a health professional for guidance

Real-Life Swaps That Help:

→ Instead of soda every day, try infused or sparkling water with fruits.
→ Instead of skipping meals and binge-eating later, plan balanced meals with protein to keep you fuller longer.
→ Take a 10–15 minute walk after meals — it helps lower blood sugar levels.

"Whew! PCOS is really not a one-size-fits-all kind of thing, right?

But hey, I shared my story because I know how lonely and confusing this journey can feel... and if my little corner of the internet can help even ONE woman feel seen and less crazy, then it's worth it! 💕

Now I’m curious…
→ Which type of PCOS do you think you're dealing with?
→ Have you ever been told by a doctor 'it’s nothing to worry about'? (LOL, relatable much?)

You can also check your PCOS type here:

Share with me in the comments — I genuinely love hearing your stories! We’re figuring this out together 

And if you want me to send you more PCOS-friendly tips, meal ideas, and real girl talks straight to your inbox...

👇 Join my little email family 👇
I promise no spam, just love & helpful stuff!

Stay tuned because next, I’ll be talking about Adrenal PCOS — and oh girl, that one is another ride!

With Love

Uloma Udeh-Onokurhefe

HealthierHer Wellness.