Jan 16, 2016

Methods Used 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.

Being a metabolic disorder, diabetes is strongly related to the kind of foods that we take. Strive to reduce the amount of carbohydrates that you consume as much as possible. The main by-product of carbohydrate metabolism is glucose. Sustained high levels of carbohydrates increase the progression to diabetes and worsen preexisting diabetes. Most processed foods are considered to be highly glycemic as opposed to foods such as fruits, vegetables and proteins which generally have a low glycemic index.

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.

The benefits of regular physical exercise cannot be overemphasized. Physical exercise helps by burning central body fat which in turn helps in the reversal process. The other major benefit is that fact that glucose demand by tissues increases during physical activity which helps to reduce the blood levels. Some of the exercises that one can engage in include swimming, cycling, running, brisk walking and jogging. The target should be at least 60 minutes of exercise for 5 to 6 days in a week.

Stress has been shown to be a major cause of imbalances in sugar levels and by extension, hormonal resistance. Uncontrolled stress promotes weight gain and also increases the excretion of a hormone known as cortisol. Cortisol is a catabolic hormone that stimulates carbohydrate breakdown to form glucose. Regularly engaging in relaxation exercises helps to reduce stress levels. These include, for instance, yoga, meditation, massage, hypnosis and biofeedback.

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.

Abnormalities related to the production and use of insulin hormone are what give rise to diabetes. The resistance of body cells to this hormone is something that can be reversed progression to diabetes prevented if detected early. Strategies that are employed include lifestyle changes and drugs that help to increase hormone sensitivity.




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