Some Methods On How To Reverse Insulin Resistance

By Carolyn Bailey


Diabetes is a common metabolic condition resulting from the deficiency of a hormone known as insulin. There are two types of the condition; types 1 and 2. The former is due to an absolute deficiency of the hormone while the latter comes about when the body cannot utilize the hormone. This is what is commonly referred to as insulin resistance. There are several things that can be done to reverse insulin resistance.

Lack of insulin hormone or failure to utilize it leads to a persistence of high glucose levels. If no intervention is undertaken, a number of complications can occur both in the short term and long term. However, if the interventions are instituted, the condition can be reversed and normalcy restored. Many of the complications that are recommended mainly involve the making of lifestyle changes (dietary and physical activity.

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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