Strategies On How To Reverse Insulin Resistance

By Patty Goff


Insulin resistance is perhaps the biggest risk factor of type 2 diabetes identified so far. In general the condition is asymptomatic and most people only realize that they have it when they progress to diabetes. Recognizing the condition in time provides room for timely intervention and halts the likelihood of its progression to diabetes. There are a number of tips on how to reverse insulin resistance.

The condition can be tackled by a multi-pronged approach. Various strategies that may be adopted include physical exercise, dietary modification, use of supplements and stress of reduction. Although the approaches may be used singly with success, it has been shown that using two or more of them tends to be more effective. All these strategies work to help in the reduction in oxidative stress, reduction in inflammatory changes in the body and increased liver detoxification.

The general advice as regards dietary modification is to cut down on foods that are likely to worsen the condition and to replace them with those that will help reverse it. Carbohydrates are a very important group of foods to consider when discussing diabetes. The end product of carbohydrate metabolism is glucose and it is this molecule that is ultimately responsible for diabetes.

Cutting down on carbohydrate intake helps reduce the amount of glucose produced from metabolism and lowers the risk of progression to diabetes. Carbohydrates fall in the category of foods that are regarded as being highly glycaemic. Proteins, fruits and vegetables, on the other hand are low glycaemic. These are the foods that should take a larger proportion of the diet.

Regular physical exercise is very important as regards the handling of hormonal resistance. This is achieved through a number of mechanisms. One of the ways in which exercise is beneficial is that it helps in reducing the amount of glucose in circulation by increasing the rate of metabolism. Exercise has been shown to also contribute to fat redistribution and thus help in weight control. Taking part in activities that require large bursts of energy is more beneficial than low intensity cardio.

Stress reduction is another step that may be taken. Stress contributes to high levels of sugar in the blood stream by raising the levels of the catabolic enzyme, cortisol. This hormone causes increased breakdown of macromolecules to glucose and this often tends to accumulate and serves as a risk for many diseases. Excessive levels of cortisol cause central obesity and this worsens the condition. Various relaxation techniques, sports and professional counseling are all used in handling stress.

There are a number of supplements said to be helpful. Magnesium supplements are among those that have been widely studied. They are said to facilitate fat digestion and increase insulin sensitivity. Other important supplements include the vitamin B complex, calcium and chromium. The exact mechanisms involved remain largely unclear.

Pharmacotherapy options are often considered when the natural options fail. There are many different classes of drugs available for the condition all with varying degrees of successes. Commonly, drugs from different classes are combined to enhance their effect. The common denominator in all their actions is a reduction in the amount of blood glucose levels.




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