Options 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.

In general the strategies that are used include dietary modification, regular physical exercise, supplements and reduction of psychological stress reduction. It is common for the various options to be used in combination. Each of them works differently but in the end all of them help to reduce oxidative stress, inflammatory changes as well as helping in liver detoxification.

The general idea is to identify the kinds of foods that you need to cut on and those that you need to eat more often. The main problem in insulin resistance (and by extension, diabetes), is disordered metabolism of carbohydrates. All carbohydrates are normally broken down into glucose which is subsequently taken up by body cells. When this process is hindered, there is accumulation of sugar in the body.

Carbohydrates are generally regarded as being highly glycaemic. What this means is that they produce much more glucose that other groups of food. If you are struggling with hormonal resistance, it is a high time that you reduced the number of servings of carbohydrate that you serve yourself. Instead, eat more of proteins, vegetables and fruits all of which are classified as low glycaemic foods.

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.

Psychological stress is another important cause of hormonal resistance and diabetes. The hormone cortisol is usually produced in stressful situations. Cortisol is a pro-metabolic hormone that causes an increase in the amount of circulating glucose among other things. If the levels of cortisol are elevated for long periods of time, the risk for hormonal resistance increases significantly. Engaging in relaxation exercises helps reduce this risk.

Supplements are said to help in some situations. Magnesium is said to increase insulin sensitivity and to facilitate the digestion of fats. All these help in reducing the amount of glucose in circulation. Other supplements that have also been in use include calcium, vitamin B complex and chromium. Many of their mechanisms of actions are not yet clear.

If the natural options fail then you may need to turn to pharmacotherapy. A lot of research has gone into diabetes and its treatments and the results have been very encouraging. Today, there are numerous types of drugs that can be used in the management of the condition. Although the mechanisms of action are different, the common effect for all of them is a reduction in blood sugar levels or increased hormone sensitivity.




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