Insulin is a hormone that controls the metabolism of carbohydrate foods. The hormone may, in some cases, be deficient or in excess both of which are associated with serious clinical complications. Perhaps the most worrying is where the hormone is deficient leading to diabetes. The same may also come about when the body is unable to use the hormone in spite of normal levels. It is important that all diabetic patients are taught how to reverse insulin resistance so that they can know what to do if their condition moves in this direction.
Insulin resistance, also known as metabolic syndrome, is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, abnormal levels of lipids and central obesity. A number of factors that predispose to the condition have been identified. Physical inactivity, obesity, psychological stress and carbohydrate rich diets are the greatest contributors. All these factors worsen diabetes. They keep the glucose levels persistently high, a fact that overwhelms uptake mechanisms. The receptors for the hormone are overused and most of them shut down.
Management of the syndrome involves, among other measures, modification of the diet, use of supplements, taking part in regular physical exercise and reduction of stress. The diet should have less carbohydrates and flour but more of vegetables and fruits. Proteins taken together with the carbohydrates help slow down the absorption of the latter. The diet should also contain foods that will reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and enhance liver detoxification.
A number of foods are known to be very effective in controlling inflammation and reducing oxidative stress. Foods containing olive oil, omega-3 oils, beans, soy products and seeds are examples. The foods work at the gene level to produce their effect. They ensure that glucose rises in a gradual rather than a sudden manner. The rise in insulin is consequently also gradual which reduces the chances of advancing to hormonal resistance.
There are several supplements that have been established to be beneficial. An important micronutrient known to alleviate the symptoms is magnesium. This nutrient is important in the process of fat digestion (also known as lipolysis). Sensitivity of blood sugar levels to the hormone appears to improve through mechanisms not clearly understood. Others nutrients include vitamin D, vitamin B complex, chromium, vitamins C and E and calcium among others.
Stress is a major causative factor of diabetes type 2. Chronically stressed individuals have elevated levels of the hormone cortisol. This hormone causes weight gain especially around the abdominal area, increases the chances of inflammatory reactions and raises the level of glucose. Stress control, therefore, is a big step in reversing hormonal resistance. Relaxation techniques that may be employed include meditation, yoga, hypnosis, guided imagery, massage and exercise among others.
The role of exercise cannot be overemphasized. Consistent physical exercise helps redistribute the abnormally deposited fat and also helps burn excessive glucose which eventually lowers the levels in circulation. Engaging in a 30-minute walk daily after dinner keeps the sugar levels in check. For individuals that want to reverse resistance, more intense exercises are needed. Taking part in aerobic exercises lasting for about an hour five times a week is a good enough routine.
There are drugs that may be used to improve symptoms but the general advice is that they should only be used when everything else fails. The main groups include biguanides, thiazolidinedione drugs and alpha glucosidase inhibitors. Patients who need to get more details on how to reverse insulin resistance patients need to consult their diabetic specialists.
Insulin resistance, also known as metabolic syndrome, is characterized by elevated blood glucose levels, abnormal levels of lipids and central obesity. A number of factors that predispose to the condition have been identified. Physical inactivity, obesity, psychological stress and carbohydrate rich diets are the greatest contributors. All these factors worsen diabetes. They keep the glucose levels persistently high, a fact that overwhelms uptake mechanisms. The receptors for the hormone are overused and most of them shut down.
Management of the syndrome involves, among other measures, modification of the diet, use of supplements, taking part in regular physical exercise and reduction of stress. The diet should have less carbohydrates and flour but more of vegetables and fruits. Proteins taken together with the carbohydrates help slow down the absorption of the latter. The diet should also contain foods that will reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and enhance liver detoxification.
A number of foods are known to be very effective in controlling inflammation and reducing oxidative stress. Foods containing olive oil, omega-3 oils, beans, soy products and seeds are examples. The foods work at the gene level to produce their effect. They ensure that glucose rises in a gradual rather than a sudden manner. The rise in insulin is consequently also gradual which reduces the chances of advancing to hormonal resistance.
There are several supplements that have been established to be beneficial. An important micronutrient known to alleviate the symptoms is magnesium. This nutrient is important in the process of fat digestion (also known as lipolysis). Sensitivity of blood sugar levels to the hormone appears to improve through mechanisms not clearly understood. Others nutrients include vitamin D, vitamin B complex, chromium, vitamins C and E and calcium among others.
Stress is a major causative factor of diabetes type 2. Chronically stressed individuals have elevated levels of the hormone cortisol. This hormone causes weight gain especially around the abdominal area, increases the chances of inflammatory reactions and raises the level of glucose. Stress control, therefore, is a big step in reversing hormonal resistance. Relaxation techniques that may be employed include meditation, yoga, hypnosis, guided imagery, massage and exercise among others.
The role of exercise cannot be overemphasized. Consistent physical exercise helps redistribute the abnormally deposited fat and also helps burn excessive glucose which eventually lowers the levels in circulation. Engaging in a 30-minute walk daily after dinner keeps the sugar levels in check. For individuals that want to reverse resistance, more intense exercises are needed. Taking part in aerobic exercises lasting for about an hour five times a week is a good enough routine.
There are drugs that may be used to improve symptoms but the general advice is that they should only be used when everything else fails. The main groups include biguanides, thiazolidinedione drugs and alpha glucosidase inhibitors. Patients who need to get more details on how to reverse insulin resistance patients need to consult their diabetic specialists.
Aucun commentaire:
Enregistrer un commentaire