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.

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.

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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