Ways To Reverse Insulin Resistance

By Serena Price


Insulin is a very important hormone in metabolism. It is particularly important in regulating the uptake of glucose breakdown products by the cell. Disordered production of this hormone is associated with serious clinical consequences. Deficiency of insulin is the main cause of type I diabetes. The other cause of this medical disorder is resistance of the body to the hormone. There are a number of interventions that can be used to reverse insulin resistance among diabetic patients.

Resistance to insulin disrupts the utilization of carbohydrate products. The physiological processes involved is rather complex but what is most important to understand is that the hormone loses its ability to stimulate the uptake of glucose by the cells leading to its accumulation within the blood stream. This is what causes diabetes. Resistance commonly occurs when there is a change in the structure of the hormone receptors.

Deficiency of this hormone may go unnoticed over a long period of time. A few constitutional signs may be seen in the beginning but this is just for a few of the cases. Such symptoms include weight gain, frequent urination, depression, fatigue and so on. A laboratory test may be more helpful as it may help reveal elevated levels of blood sugar or acidosis.

What are the causes of resistance? When blood sugar concentration goes up, more hormone is produced. Increased production of the hormone impacts negatively on hormone binding, such that receptors become more reluctant. An increased blood sugar level therefore forms the basis for the aetiology. These include excessive consumption of sugary foods, stress, caffeine, alcohol among many other toxins.

Cutting down on carbohydrate intake is crucial for lowering blood sugar. Alternative foods like fat and protein can be used instead. The body adapts by burning up fat as a form of providing energy. In this way, not only are hormone levels adjusted but also blood pressure, triglycerides among other factors that needed to be stabilised.

Another important strategy is the use of physical exercise. Taking part in exercise at least 3 days a week helps in burning excess glucose. Brief periods of exercise also stimulate the autonomic nervous system to release adrenaline which facilitates glucagon action by the liver. Glucagon is a hormone that opposes a fall in blood glucose levels.

Exercise and diet have to be used in combination to enhance reversal. Exercise alone can be hectic since continuous work out will be required to burn out the daily intake of carbohydrates. Drinking alcohol and caffeine and cigarette smoking is also discouraged since these substances stimulate the liver to secrete glucose into blood. Getting enough sleep a day is also important. A minimum of eight hours a day is recommended. Stress can be avoided or managed through meditation and deep breathing exercises.

To get the best individualised advice on how to reverse insulin resistance, one should work closely with the nutritionist and the physician. Nutritionists will advise you on how to combine all the minerals in the right combinations. Some of the major minerals include vitamin, glutamine and chromium. Proper diet is an effective way of not only managing the condition after it develops but also plays a role in preventing it.




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