Insulin hormone is perhaps the most important component of the carbohydrate metabolism pathway. There are consequences associated with both its excess and its deficiency. The commoner and more worrying of the two is the deficiency as it causes diabetes, a serious metabolic disorder. Diabetes may also come about when body cells are unable to utilize insulin in spite of normal ranges. This is referred to as resistance. Diabetic patients need to be educated early enough on how to reverse insulin resistance so that they are well prepared for this possibility.
Insulin resistance (or metabolic syndrome) is a condition in which blood glucose levels are raised, the body lipids are deranged and there is central obesity. The main risk factors believed to predispose to the syndrome include physical inactivity, psychological stress, obesity and excessive carbohydrate intake. All these factors contribute to elevated glucose levels. When the sugars are consistently high, insulin receptors are overwhelmed and they start to dysfunction and shut down.
There are a number of steps that can be taken to control the condition. They include taking part in regular physical exercise, modifying the diet, taking supplements and reducing stress among others. Dietary modification, involves reduction in the intake of high glycemic foods and to instead consume more proteins, fruits and vegetables. The focus should be on the reduction of oxidative stress, prevention of inflammation and enhancement of liver detoxification.
Foods known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits include those with omega-3 fats, olive oil, beans, nuts, seeds and soy products. These foods work at gene level to promote healthy metabolism, prevent inflammation and facilitate detoxification by the liver. Their metabolism is such that the rise in glucose levels is gradual rather than sudden. As a result the response in insulin is also gradual which helps to minimize the chances of resistance.
Some supplements have also been found to help with the symptoms. Magnesium supplements, for example, helps in fat digestion and increases hormonal sensitivity. The mechanism through which sensitivity is increased remains unknown. Other important nutrients include vitamins B, C, D and E, calcium and chromium.
Stress is a major causative factor of diabetes type 2. Chronically stressed individuals have elevated levels of the hormone cortisol. This hormone causes weight gain especially around the abdominal area, increases the chances of inflammatory reactions and raises the level of glucose. Stress control, therefore, is a big step in reversing hormonal resistance. Relaxation techniques that may be employed include meditation, yoga, hypnosis, guided imagery, massage and exercise among others.
The role of exercise cannot be overemphasized. Consistent physical exercise helps redistribute the abnormally deposited fat and also helps burn excessive glucose which eventually lowers the levels in circulation. Engaging in a 30-minute walk daily after dinner keeps the sugar levels in check. For individuals that want to reverse resistance, more intense exercises are needed. Taking part in aerobic exercises lasting for about an hour five times a week is a good enough routine.
There are drugs that may be used to improve symptoms but the general advice is that they should only be used when everything else fails. The main groups include biguanides, thiazolidinedione drugs and alpha glucosidase inhibitors. Patients who need to get more details on how to reverse insulin resistance patients need to consult their diabetic specialists.
Insulin resistance (or metabolic syndrome) is a condition in which blood glucose levels are raised, the body lipids are deranged and there is central obesity. The main risk factors believed to predispose to the syndrome include physical inactivity, psychological stress, obesity and excessive carbohydrate intake. All these factors contribute to elevated glucose levels. When the sugars are consistently high, insulin receptors are overwhelmed and they start to dysfunction and shut down.
There are a number of steps that can be taken to control the condition. They include taking part in regular physical exercise, modifying the diet, taking supplements and reducing stress among others. Dietary modification, involves reduction in the intake of high glycemic foods and to instead consume more proteins, fruits and vegetables. The focus should be on the reduction of oxidative stress, prevention of inflammation and enhancement of liver detoxification.
Foods known to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits include those with omega-3 fats, olive oil, beans, nuts, seeds and soy products. These foods work at gene level to promote healthy metabolism, prevent inflammation and facilitate detoxification by the liver. Their metabolism is such that the rise in glucose levels is gradual rather than sudden. As a result the response in insulin is also gradual which helps to minimize the chances of resistance.
Some supplements have also been found to help with the symptoms. Magnesium supplements, for example, helps in fat digestion and increases hormonal sensitivity. The mechanism through which sensitivity is increased remains unknown. Other important nutrients include vitamins B, C, D and E, calcium and chromium.
Stress is a major causative factor of diabetes type 2. Chronically stressed individuals have elevated levels of the hormone cortisol. This hormone causes weight gain especially around the abdominal area, increases the chances of inflammatory reactions and raises the level of glucose. Stress control, therefore, is a big step in reversing hormonal resistance. Relaxation techniques that may be employed include meditation, yoga, hypnosis, guided imagery, massage and exercise among others.
The role of exercise cannot be overemphasized. Consistent physical exercise helps redistribute the abnormally deposited fat and also helps burn excessive glucose which eventually lowers the levels in circulation. Engaging in a 30-minute walk daily after dinner keeps the sugar levels in check. For individuals that want to reverse resistance, more intense exercises are needed. Taking part in aerobic exercises lasting for about an hour five times a week is a good enough routine.
There are drugs that may be used to improve symptoms but the general advice is that they should only be used when everything else fails. The main groups include biguanides, thiazolidinedione drugs and alpha glucosidase inhibitors. Patients who need to get more details on how to reverse insulin resistance patients need to consult their diabetic specialists.
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