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Treating Insulin Resistance – Clinical Strategies from Dr. Larsen and Dr. Kaplan

Insulin Resistance Treatment Strategies

Webinar Series: Part III of III • Featuring Dr. Pushpa Larsen & Dr. Michael Kaplan • Meridian Valley Lab

Insulin resistance is often a silent forerunner of chronic disease. In this final installment of Meridian Valley Lab’s webinar series, clinicians Dr. Pushpa Larsen and Dr. Michael Kaplan walk through effective treatment strategies that move beyond identification and into action.

Effective insulin resistance care blends nutrition, targeted support, lifestyle change, and data-driven re-testing.

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Understanding the Clinical Landscape

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Dr. Larsen and Dr. Kaplan begin by reflecting on the increasing rates of metabolic dysfunction and why early therapeutic action is more important than ever. Their discussion emphasizes the limitations of relying solely on glucose or A1C metrics—and makes a strong case for testing that includes both glucose and insulin curves.

“Many patients will show normal glucose… but if you track insulin, you see the real picture.” — Dr. Kaplan

Three-Pronged Treatment Strategy

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The webinar outlines a comprehensive approach to treating insulin resistance. Their protocol includes:

1. Nutrition and Meal Timing

  • Focus on low-glycemic, anti-inflammatory whole foods
  • Time-restricted eating and intermittent fasting strategies
  • Reducing nighttime insulin spikes

2. Targeted Supplementation

  • Chromium, berberine, and magnesium for insulin sensitivity
  • Botanical support for metabolic flexibility
  • Supporting the adrenals to reduce cortisol-induced insulin resistance

3. Lifestyle and Behavioral Interventions

  • Prioritizing movement: even small daily increments matter
  • Sleep quality as a metabolic regulator
  • Mind-body medicine and reducing chronic stress patterns

Using Lab Testing to Guide Treatment

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Dr. Larsen stresses how dried blood spot testing and the Glucose-Insulin Tolerance Response (GTIR) profile at Meridian Valley Lab helps clinicians identify patterns earlier—and tailor treatment accordingly. The data can also motivate patient adherence when they see their insulin levels decline over time.

“Once patients see improvement on their results, they’re more likely to stay committed.” — Dr. Larsen

Final Thoughts & Clinical Q&A

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During the final Q&A session, attendees asked about best practices for monitoring progress and when to retest. The speakers recommend re-testing 8–12 weeks into treatment and highlight how even modest improvements in insulin sensitivity can reduce long-term health risks.

Related Webinars in This Series

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📊 Part I: Foundations of Insulin Resistance – Understand early indicators and diagnostic blind spots here.

🧬 Part II: Interpreting Insulin Resistance Patterns – Learn how to identify GTIR patterns in your patients here.

Order or Learn More

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Practitioners: If you’d like to incorporate GTIR-guided monitoring into your metabolic protocols, contact Client Services to request a kit or discuss clinical fit.

Patients: Ask your licensed provider whether insulin resistance testing beyond A1C is appropriate for your prevention or treatment plan. Meridian Valley Lab provides laboratory services only and cannot advise patients directly.

Call: 855.405.8378 | 206.209.4200

References

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If you’d like a supporting citation list for insulin-first detection, Kraft pattern frameworks, and interval re-testing strategies referenced in this webinar, please contact our team.