Q. I've been told I have insulin resistance. How is a Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) diet approach different from a conventional diet?

When insulin resistance occurs, the body fails to use energy efficiently and tends to store it as fat. Forcing yourself to starve in this state can lead to dizziness and lethargy, further damaging your metabolism rather than improving it. The strength of TKM weight loss lies in addressing the body's internal imbalances first. For example, those with Spleen Deficiency (脾虛, Bi-heo)—a weakened digestive and absorptive capacity—often struggle more with blood sugar control. In such cases, we use herbal prescriptions to support Spleen function and clear 'Blood Stasis' (瘀血, Eo-hyeol) and 'Phlegm-Fluid' (痰飮, Dam-eum)—metabolic waste products that clog the body's pathways. This process helps clear metabolic channels and can assist in increasing insulin sensitivity. However, there are limitations. Herbal medicine is not a magic cure; fundamental dietary control is still necessary. Additionally, if a formula does not align with your specific constitution, it may cause digestive discomfort. Ultimately, the answer lies in your current physiological state. The approach differs significantly depending on whether you are in a pre-diabetic state or simply experiencing a metabolic slowdown. Rather than following trendy diets, the most efficient method is to assess your current blood sugar regulation capacity and develop a customized strategy tailored to your body's needs.