What You Should Do To Reverse Insulin Resistance

By Sarah White


Type 2 diabetes is caused by inadequate production of insulin hormone or its failure to work on receptors found in body tissues (due to resistance). The result is persistently raised blood sugar levels that lead to both short term and long term complications. These two processes usually occur progressively over many years and can even be reversed when diagnosed early. In this article we will look at some of the strategies that can be adopted to reverse insulin resistance.

As a metabolic disease, diabetes is directly with what we eat. In general, foods that are rich in carbohydrates tend to increase the levels of blood sugars and this increases the chances of progressing from pre-diabetes and diabetes. Processed foods are considered to be highly glycemic which means they raise the blood glucose levels to a great extent. Foods with a low glycemic index include fruits, vegetables and proteins.

Consider supplementing your diet with minerals that help reduce diabetic symptoms. Some of the supplements that have been shown to be beneficial include calcium, vitamin B complex, chromium, fish oil and oxidants. Magnesium is said to work on the digestive tract to increase the breakdown of fat which subsequently reduces what ends up in adipose tissue. Most of the others have mechanisms that are not clearly understood.

Physical exercise is another important strategy that can be employed. One of the roles of exercise is that it reduces the amount of central body fat, a precipitating factor for hormonal resistance. The other benefit is that it increases the demands for glucose in contractile tissues which lowers its levels in the blood. At least 60 minutes of intense physical exercise for 5 to 6 days is good enough.

Psychological stress also contributes to this condition and should be avoided or reduced as much as possible. In stressful situations, a catabolic hormone known as cortisol is secreted in greater quantities. The consequence is increased breakdown of carbohydrates and increased levels of blood sugar. The hormone also increases the amount of central body fat which in turn contributes to hormonal resistance.

Drugs also play an important role. They are only considered if all the other methods fail. There are many classes of anti-diabetic drugs that can be used either singly or in combination. Biguanides such as metformin work by increasing receptor response. Thiazolidinediones include drugs such as pioglitazone and rosiglitazone. This group works by increasing the sensitivity of cells to the hormone. Another effective group of drugs includes apha-glucosidase inhibitors such as miglitol.

Studies have shown that poor quality of sleep increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Situations that are likely to cause poor quality of sleep include conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, OSA and lack of adequate sleep for persons that work night shifts. Poor sleep quality predisposes to obesity which is in turn a risk factor for diabetes. Strive to sleep for at least 6 hours every night in a peaceful environment.

Problems relating to the production and utilization of insulin hormone are what leads to diabetes. Insulin resistance in particular contribute to a significant portion of this. Reversing this state is possible if the condition is diagnosed early and lifestyle modifications instituted. Drugs are an option if the lifestyle changes fail to yield results.




About the Author:


No comments:

Post a Comment

If you like this site, please consider a small donation!