Some Ideas On How To Reverse Insulin Resistance

By Carolyn Bailey


Diabetes is undoubtedly the commonest and most aggressive metabolic condition that exists today. The cause of the condition is a deficiency of insulin hormone or improper utilization of the same by the body. Two types of the condition exist: 1 and 2. While the first type is mainly due to hormonal deficiency, the second is mainly the result of hormonal resistance. There are a number of things that one can do to help reverse insulin resistance if at risk of diabetes.

Low levels of insulin hormone or the presence of hormonal resistance result in abnormal utilization of glucose in the body. When this happens over a long period of time, short term and long term complications may ensue. If the problem is identified early and prompt interventions undertaken, these complications can be safely averted. Current interventions mainly involve making changes to lifestyle practices.

Carbohydrates are made up of sugars of varying complexities. When subjected to digestive processes these carbohydrates are broken down to less complex sugars and eventually to glucose. This results into a direct increase in the level of blood glucose. Persistently elevated sugar levels are a well-documented cause of insulin receptor resistance and subsequent progression to diabetes. Reducing the amount of carbohydrate in your diet and increasing that of fruits and vegetables is, therefore, among the most important interventions.

Other than macronutrients, micronutrients also play an important role. Some of the most significant include multivitamins, fish oils, magnesium, chromium and calcium. Each of them has a unique role it plays in the body. Magnesium, for instance, is vital in the digestion of fats and deposition of the same in adipose tissues. The exact mechanism that is involved here is not well understood.

Just as is the case with many metabolic conditions, physical exercise plays a vital role here. The benefits of regular exercise are mainly two fold. The first benefit is the fact that intense physical activity promotes utilization of glucose (as the muscles contract) which in turn reduces the levels in the blood. The other major benefit is the fact that such activities help in the breakdown of fat cells in adipose tissues.

There is also a need to look after mental health even as one strives to be physically fit. Stress has been shown to be a risk factor for fluctuations in blood sugar levels. At the same time, stress is a cause of abnormal weight gain mainly due to the increased production of a hormone known as cortisol. Taking part in regular relaxation activities such as meditation, yoga, biofeedback and massage often help to keep stress at bay.

Lack of quality sleep causes effects that resemble those of psychological stress. The amount of cortisol in circulation increases and this causes an increase in the level of metabolism mainly for the carbohydrates. There is a resultant increase in the levels of blood sugars. If this goes on for long, the risk of hormonal resistance is significantly increased. Apart from increased metabolism, the hormone also promotes fat deposition in the abdominal region.

In the event that lifestyle interventions fail to achieve favorable results, more aggressive therapies need to be considered. Such will include, for instance, the use of oral hypoglycemic agents. Drugs that are used for this include, among others metformin, glipizide and glibenclamide all falling under different classes. In most occasions, the drugs are used in combination.




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