Some Methods 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.

The building blocks of carbohydrates are sugars of various complexities. During the process of digestion the macromolecules of carbohydrates are broken down to the simpler constituents and eventually into glucose. This means that carbohydrates directly increase the levels of blood glucose. Research shows that taking too many calories will keep the blood sugar levels abnormally high and predispose to hormonal resistance. The general recommendation is that one should cut down on carbohydrates and increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables.

Apart from the macronutrients, a number of micronutrients also play a vital role. These include, among others, magnesium, calcium, chromium, multivitamins and fish oils among others. Magnesium has been the subject of a number of studies. It has been shown to be useful n affecting the digestion of fat and subsequent deposition to adipose tissues. The mechanism that is involved in this is not very clear.

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.

Make sure that your mental health does not get neglected even as you make strides towards achieving optimal physical health. Stress commonly leads to abnormal increases in your levels of your blood glucose. These increases are attributed to the production of a hormone known as cortisol. This hormone has also been shown to contribute to central obesity and increase the risk of developing hormonal resistance.

Inadequate sleep has an effect that is similar to that of psychological stress. The levels of cortisol hormone are also increased in this instance leading to increased metabolism and high levels of glucose in the blood. Poor quality sleep may be intentional or may be the result of some medical conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea. Always strive to have 6 to 8 hours of quality sleep every day.

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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