Some Options Used To Reverse Insulin Resistance

By Mark Cooper


Insulin is at the center of glucose metabolism. In the absence of this important hormone, sugar levels become deranged and this has the potential to cause both acute and chronic complications. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreatic cells responsible for its production are not functioning hence the hormone is completely absent. In type 2 diabetes, the hormone is present but resistance in body tissues exist. In this article, we will look at how to reverse insulin resistance.

Diet should be addressed as a matter of priority. Both the composition and quantity of diet have the potential to influence the interaction between the hormone and its receptors found in virtually all the cells in the body. A large amount of carbohydrates has been singled out as one of the major contributors of hormonal resistance. Carbohydrates are broken down to glucose directly which means that they contribute to high blood sugar levels.

The sugars that are obtained from the breakdown of carbohydrates may cause over-stimulation of the insulin receptors. In some cases, the receptors become unresponsive to any increases in the levels of blood sugars. Strive to cut down on carbohydrates so that they only make up only a third of the meals. The rest should comprise, fruits, vegetables and protein.

There are a number of supplements that have been shown to be beneficial to persons that are at risk of insulin resistance. These include, among others, those that are rich in omega-3 fats, olive oil, soy products, nuts and beans. It is believed that these groups of foods exert their effect at genetic level to improve the process of carbohydrate metabolism. Some reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and enhance detoxification by the liver.

Apart from diet, one must make an effort to take part in regular physical activity. Activities that require bursts of energy to be released are particularly helpful. Their benefits are twofold: a reduction in the amount of central abdominal fat that is a contributor to resistance and an increase in muscular contraction. Contracting muscle promotes glucose uptake which reduces the blood sugar levels.

Chronic tress is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. It has been shown that a person that is psychologically stressed on most occasions is at a higher risk of having hormonal resistance than someone in the general population. This is because, their levels of cortisol are generally higher and so is their metabolism of glucose. Strive to get time off to relax every so often. Some of the relaxation activities recommended include yoga, massage, hypnosis and meditation.

Failure to get adequate sleep has been shown to be a contributing factor to hormonal resistance. The underlying mechanisms are similar to those of stress. Sleeping eases, the stress on our physiological systems and gives them an opportunity to readjust. In the case of carbohydrate metabolism, for instance, the chemicals that are involved in communication between the hormone and the receptor are re-synthesized when we are resting.

If all these lifestyle changes are undertaken but no meaningful changes are seen then it may be time to try out drugs. The drugs are many and are often used in combination to get the optimal results. Although their mechanisms of action tend to vary, the end results is the lowering of blood glucose levels which helps to prevent hormonal resistance and progression to type 2 diabetes.




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