Insulin is an important hormone which helps get glucose into the body cells. Glucose undergoes various metabolic processes and produces energy that is utilized by the body for various physiological functions. The certain physiological condition in which the cell failed to respond the insulin is known as Insulin resistance.
Simply, it may refer as reduction of glucose lowering property of insulin. Due to insulin resistance, cell fails to take glucose inside and hence the level of glucose gets increased in blood and this increased level of glucose leads in harmful effect. Due to the absence of glucose various metabolic processes responsible for energy production get stopped and lack of energy occurs. So awareness of insulin resistance is very necessary.
What are the causes of insulin resistance?
• It is a well known fact that insulin resistance coexist with obesity. Animal studies have revealed that dietary fat is driven of insulin resistance. The high level of free fatty acid and Triglyceride contribute in diminishing the effect of insulin.
• Lack of physical activity leads in to insulin resistance.
• Stress ia a stimulatory factor of insulin resistance as in stress there is increased levels of cortisol, which counteracts insulin as well as inhibits peripheral utilization of glucose .
• Insulin resistance develops while taking the medicine of certain disease. Protease inhibitors like Saquinavir, Ritonavir taken for HIV treatment are linked with the development of insulin resistance.
• In some diseases, insulin resistance develops like Hepatitis C.
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Sign and symptoms that may give you indication for insulin resistance are explained below:
• Brain fuzziness and inability to focus.
• Increased hunger
• High level of blood sugar and triglycerides
• Increased blood pressure
• Intestinal bloating
• Weight gain and difficulty to lose it
• Depression
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How to deal with Insulin resistance
Insulin resistance is a major health threat in the 21st century. However this problem, can be completely reversed through lifestyle modification which focuses on dietary restrictions, nutritional supplements, proper exercises along with the stress management and medication.
How to treat insulin resistance naturally
1.Diet
Lifestyle changes always bring better living in the patients having insulin resistance. This change can be easily initiated with the intake of proper diet by making a specific diet plan which includes nutritious healthful diet. Daily diet has very significant role for management of diabeties and reversing insulin resistance.Been, nuts, soy product low glycemic vegitables askale,asparagus, spinach, cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts , fruits like apple cherries, peaches, Berries,pears, rhubarb and plums ; provide low glycemic load when taken in diet. To avoid junk foods,foods containing high-fructose, artificial sweeteners like sorbitol, caffeine ,high-glycemic cooked vegetables like potato, processed fruit juice and vegetables,red meat,foods containing hydrogenated oil, to stop smoking and alcohol consumption is helpful in management of insulin resistance.Next comes to reducing weight loss.
2.Exercise
Doing physical activity or exercise is also very important as it has been seen that proper and regular exercise can restore insulin sensitivity. Exercise helps in reducing central fat of the body and improve glucose metabolism.
3.Nutritional supplements
Nutritional supplements are very effective for the insulin resistance. Commonly recommended nutritional supplements based on severity includes minerals like magnesium, calcium, chromium, vitamins like Vitamin B complex (B6, B12, biotin), vitamin c, Vitamin E, Vitamin D, fish oil which helps in revesing the insulin resistance or management of diabetes.
4. By managing the stress
As we discussed that stress play an important role to trigger insulin resistance. So it’s very necessary to take proper rest and be relaxed. Yoga, meditation, hot bath, exercise, massage, hypnosis or love of someone can help you to keep yourself calm and fresh.
5.By natural herbs
Herbal medicines are also present to treat diabetes type 2 in which there is insulin resistance .These are Ginkgo Biloba, Bitter Melon ,Asian Ginseng, Bilberry, Blueberry leaves, Fenugreek, Stevia ,Onion and Garlic ,Gymnem, ocimum etc.
Treatment with medication
Medical treatment should be taken only if necessary and on the recommendation of doctor as every drug has some adverse effect. A number of medications having their specific effect are present, which can improve insulin sensitivity. Some of them are as follows:
• The biguanides especially Metformin which improves the sensitivity of insulin. The cell starts responding to insulin and blood glucose level comes to normal.
• Thiazolidinedione drugs include Pioglitazone, Rosiglitazone, which improves the glucose uptake of cells by improving sensitivity to insulin. They also reduce inflammation and improve metabolism.
• Acarbose and Miglitol are alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and help in glucose absorption from intestine hence reduces the blood glucose level.
Some other oral antidiabetic drugs includes Glyburide, Glipizide and Glimepiride. Medicines are a part of the treatment and management of the condition. It will only work if your body supports and this can only be achieved by modifying your lifestyle. Minute changes in living style can do wonders for your health. Wakup early in the morning, go for a walk and eat balanaced diet. Your awareness and your efforts to treat diabetes can stop insulin resistance.
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