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Some Methods On How To Reverse Insulin Resistance

By Carolyn Bailey


Diabetes is a common metabolic condition resulting from the deficiency of a hormone known as insulin. There are two types of the condition; types 1 and 2. The former is due to an absolute deficiency of the hormone while the latter comes about when the body cannot utilize the hormone. This is what is commonly referred to as insulin resistance. There are several things that can be done to reverse insulin resistance.

Low levels of insulin hormone or the presence of hormonal resistance result in abnormal utilization of glucose in the body. When this happens over a long period of time, short term and long term complications may ensue. If the problem is identified early and prompt interventions undertaken, these complications can be safely averted. Current interventions mainly involve making changes to lifestyle practices.

Carbohydrates consist of sugar units as building blocks. When the carbohydrates are subjected to the process of digestion, they are broken down to these units. The units eventually end up as glucose molecules. This means that carbohydrates are a direct cause of increases in blood sugar levels. It has been established through research that if the levels remain high for a long time, the risk of developing insulin resistance is significantly increased. Efforts should be made to reduce carbs while increasing fruits and vegetables.

Apart from the macronutrients, dietary changes should also consider a number of micronutrients. Such include, among others, calcium, multivitamins, fish oil, chromium and magnesium. Magnesium, in particular, is very important as regards the digestion of fats. It reduces the deposition of digested fats to adipose tissues which in turn reduces the risk of hormonal resistance. The mechanisms involved for many of the other elements remain largely obscure.

Physical exercise has a number of important roles when it comes to the reversal of insulin resistance. One of these benefits is that during intense physical exercise, increased muscle contractility leads to increased demand for nutrients and oxygen. This helps lower the levels of glucose in the blood stream. Another benefit is that the process causes the breakdown of fat cells stored in adipose tissue.

There is also a need to look after mental health even as one strives to be physically fit. Stress has been shown to be a risk factor for fluctuations in blood sugar levels. At the same time, stress is a cause of abnormal weight gain mainly due to the increased production of a hormone known as cortisol. Taking part in regular relaxation activities such as meditation, yoga, biofeedback and massage often help to keep stress at bay.

The effect of constant inadequate sleep is similar to that of tress. Cortisol is also produced in large amounts in this instance and the hormone causes an increased levels of metabolism and subsequent increases in the levels of blood sugar levels. At the same time, the hormone promotes the deposition of fat in the abdominal region leading to central obesity. Central obesity is among the main risk factors of hormonal resistance.

In the event that lifestyle interventions fail to achieve favorable results, more aggressive therapies need to be considered. Such will include, for instance, the use of oral hypoglycemic agents. Drugs that are used for this include, among others metformin, glipizide and glibenclamide all falling under different classes. In most occasions, the drugs are used in combination.




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