The Explainer Archives

Four skin conditions directly related to insulin resistance

In this excerpt from Why We Get Sick, Ben Bikman explains how changes in insulin control can spur acne and other common skin problems

August 28, 2021

3 min read

How to reverse prediabetes

Prediabetes is not just a warning diagnosis—it’s a severe metabolic disorder. Fortunately, you can reverse prediabetes with lifestyle and diet changes.

August 19, 2021

13 min read

Sara Gottfried, MD

13 min read

Six ways metabolic health affects longevity

Here are six mechanisms in our body that help us live longer, healthier lives—and that function best when we have stable blood sugar

Casey Means, MD

August 13, 2021

13 min read

Dr. Ami Kapadia

13 min read

Why too many focus on glucose, but not insulin

Why too many focus on glucose, but not insulin

In an excerpt from “Why We Get Sick,” Ben Bikman explains why metabolic health often focuses on glucose when insulin may be the main character

July 23, 2021

7 min read

What is glycemic variability and why does it matter?

What is glycemic variability and why does it matter?

Glycemic variability is the amount your blood sugar changes throughout the day. Here's why we want to keep it low for optimal health.

The Levels Team

June 15, 2021

2 min read

How glucose and insulin affect our digestive system

How glucose and insulin affect our digestive system

In an excerpt from “Why We Get Sick,” Ben Bikman explains how glucose and insulin drive acid reflux, gallstones and other GI disorders.

June 8, 2021

8 min read

What is sucrose?

Sucrose is a type of sugar formed by one glucose and one fructose molecule bonded together. Sucrose is most commonly known as table sugar.

June 1, 2021

5 min read

Rich Joseph, MD

5 min read

Does coffee raise blood sugar?

Caffeine can have a short-term impact on blood sugar, but other compounds in coffee and tea may help metabolic health in the long term.

Ajai Raj

May 15, 2021

7 min read

How insulin and glucose affect reproductive health

Women's Health

How insulin and glucose affect reproductive health

In this excerpt from "Why We Get Sick," Ben Bikman explains the key role insulin and glucose play in pregnancy and birth.

May 1, 2021

11 min read

Improving insulin through diet: calories vs. carbs

Improving insulin through diet: calories vs. carbs

In part three of Ben Bikman’s series, he looks at the effects of energy and hormones on insulin resistance and offers tips for building an insulin-friendly diet

March 12, 2021

6 min read

Levels Investigates, The Explainer

Five metabolic-health myths—busted

We dispel some of the most common misconceptions about metabolism and blood sugar to help you make healthier diet and lifestyle decisions

Rachel Nuwer

March 4, 2021

5 min read

Is there such a thing as healthy candy?

A new crop of naturally sweetened and low-carb candies and chocolates may be better for your blood sugar, but that doesn't make them a health food.

February 9, 2021

4 min read

Exercise

Walking after a meal: the simplest habit for stable blood sugar

Taking a post-meal walk can help stabilize blood sugar and give you more energy. New research explores when and how to walk for best results.

Jennifer Chesak

September 20, 2021

7 min read

Skin Health

Four skin conditions directly related to insulin resistance

In this excerpt from Why We Get Sick, Ben Bikman explains how changes in insulin control can spur acne and other common skin problems

August 28, 2021

3 min read

How to reverse prediabetes

Prediabetes is not just a warning diagnosis—it’s a severe metabolic disorder. Fortunately, you can reverse prediabetes with lifestyle and diet changes.

August 19, 2021

13 min read

Sara Gottfried, MD

13 min read

Six ways metabolic health affects longevity

Here are six mechanisms in our body that help us live longer, healthier lives—and that function best when we have stable blood sugar

Casey Means, MD

August 13, 2021

13 min read

Dr. Ami Kapadia

13 min read

Why too many focus on glucose, but not insulin

In an excerpt from “Why We Get Sick,” Ben Bikman explains why metabolic health often focuses on glucose when insulin may be the main character

July 23, 2021

7 min read

What is glycemic variability and why does it matter?

Glycemic variability is the amount your blood sugar changes throughout the day. Here's why we want to keep it low for optimal health.

The Levels Team

June 15, 2021

2 min read

How glucose and insulin affect our digestive system

In an excerpt from “Why We Get Sick,” Ben Bikman explains how glucose and insulin drive acid reflux, gallstones and other GI disorders.

June 8, 2021

8 min read

What is sucrose?

Sucrose is a type of sugar formed by one glucose and one fructose molecule bonded together. Sucrose is most commonly known as table sugar.

June 1, 2021

5 min read

Rich Joseph, MD

5 min read

Does coffee raise blood sugar?

Caffeine can have a short-term impact on blood sugar, but other compounds in coffee and tea may help metabolic health in the long term.

Ajai Raj

May 15, 2021

7 min read

Women's Health

How insulin and glucose affect reproductive health

In this excerpt from "Why We Get Sick," Ben Bikman explains the key role insulin and glucose play in pregnancy and birth.

May 1, 2021

11 min read

Improving insulin through diet: calories vs. carbs

In part three of Ben Bikman’s series, he looks at the effects of energy and hormones on insulin resistance and offers tips for building an insulin-friendly diet