Jul 28, 2016

Some Options Used To Reverse Insulin Resistance

By Mark Cooper


Insulin plays a very important role in the process of glucose metabolism. When this hormone is absent, the glucose levels will be abnormally raised leading to both acute and chronic complications. This is the case of type 1 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, the hormone is present but it cannot be utilized due to the existence of resistance. There are a number of things that can be done to reverse insulin resistance and prevent diabetes type 2.

Diet is one of the most important areas to which changes can be made. The changes should not only be focused on the types of foods eaten but on the servings as well. Multiple servings of carbs at a go have been shown to have a negative effect on the receptors. The carbohydrates are broken down to produce a spike of glucose in the blood. This is more harmful than smaller increases that result from smaller meals eaten more frequently.

High levels of blood glucose may cause over-stimulation of insulin receptors rendering them unresponsive to any further increases. When this occurs repeatedly, the risk of insulin resistance is increased markedly. For this reason, the general advice is that the amount of carbohydrates in a meal should be kept at a third. Proteins, vegetables and fruits should make up two thirds.

Several supplements have been established to be quite beneficial to people that are at risk of this problem. Examples include beans, nuts, omega-3 fats, olive oil and soy products among others. It is not very clear how they achieve their effect but a number of theories have been advanced. One of the theories claims that they work at the level of the gene and improve carbohydrate metabolism. Another theory claims that they enhance liver detoxification and reduce oxidative stress.

Physical exercise is another important intervention that needs to be taken. Regular physical exercise is hugely beneficial to the person at risk of type 2 diabetes. One of the benefits is that exercise promotes the breakdown of central abdominal fat, a well-known risk factor for diabetes. The other major benefit is that exercise leads to muscle contraction and increased demand for glucose by the contractile tissues. This effectively reduces the glucose levels in blood.

There is a need to avoid stress at all costs. It has been shown through research that persons that chronically stressed have a higher risk of developing insulin resistance and subsequently diabetes type 2 than the general population. The main reason for this is that the production of a catabolic hormone known as cortisol is produced in greater quantities during stressful situations. Yoga, meditation, hypnosis and massage are ways of relaxation one may consider.

Related to quality sleep, is the need for adequate quality sleep. Sleep is important as it resets the system. During sleep, our metabolic requirements remain at the bare minimum meaning that the glucose levels are likely to be lowest at this time. This ensure that that there is less strain to the receptors and the chemicals that are involved in the functioning of these receptors are re-synthesized at this time.

In the event that the lifestyle changes are ineffective in achieving the desired goals, drugs will usually be considered. There are many classes of drugs that are often combined to get the best results. The mechanism of actions of these drugs tend to vary but all lead to one thing: a reduction in the level of blood sugar and by extension, the risk of hormonal resistance.




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