Methods 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.

There are a number of other foods that are said to be beneficial to persons that have been identified as being at risk of suffering from this problem. These include foods that are rich in omega-3 fats, soy products, olive oil, beans and nuts among others. Mechanisms involved are widely varied and may include a reduction in oxidative stress, enhanced liver detoxification and a general improvement in carbohydrate metabolism.

Other than having a proper diet, one needs to take part in physical exercise regularly. There are two main benefits of physical exercise. The first one is the fact that during exercise fat breakdown takes place due increased metabolic demand. The result of this is a reduction in the amount of central abdominal fat that would otherwise act as risk factor for hormonal resistance. The other benefit is that the intake of glucose by body cells is increased during exercise hence a lower blood sugar level.

Any individual at the risk of insulin resistance should ensure that they avoid situations that would give them psychological stress. In presence of stress (especially that which is longstanding), a catabolic hormone known as cortisol is released in large quantities. This hormone promotes the breakdown of large macro-molecules to produce glucose. Engaging in relaxation activities such as massage, yoga, meditation and hypnosis regularly is highly recommended.

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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