Why You’re Struggling With Insulin Resistance (It’s Not JUST About Carbs) w/ Dr. Maguy Chiha

When we talk about insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, the conversation almost always revolves around sugar, carbs, fat, or body weight. But there’s one factor that rarely gets enough attention: muscle mass.

Skeletal muscle isn’t just for strength or aesthetics. It’s the single largest site of glucose disposal in the body, responsible for up to 80% of how we use sugar after a meal.

Which means that having low muscle mass actually increases insulin resistance, even if your weight or BMI looks “normal.” On the flipside, building muscle is one of the most effective ways to counteract a genetic predisposition to diabetes.

The surprising problem is that most people are unaware of how to do it. We’ve been taught to obsess over cardio, calorie counting, or cutting carbs, but rarely taught how resistance training, protein intake, and lifestyle choices protect our metabolism through muscle.

Why is muscle mass a game-changer for insulin resistance? How do we make sure we’re optimizing our nutrition and exercise?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Maguy Chiha, a triple board–certified endocrinologist in internal medicine, endocrinology & metabolism, and obesity medicine.

Together, we explore the hidden role of muscle mass in insulin resistance, why so many patients are overlooked until it’s too late, and practical steps to increase muscle and protect your metabolic health.