Insulin plays a very important role in the process of glucose metabolism. When this hormone is absent, the glucose levels will be abnormally raised leading to both acute and chronic complications. This is the case of type 1 diabetes. In type 2 diabetes, the hormone is present but it cannot be utilized due to the existence of resistance. There are a number of things that can be done to reverse insulin resistance and prevent diabetes type 2.
Diet should be addressed as a matter of priority. Both the composition and quantity of diet have the potential to influence the interaction between the hormone and its receptors found in virtually all the cells in the body. A large amount of carbohydrates has been singled out as one of the major contributors of hormonal resistance. Carbohydrates are broken down to glucose directly which means that they contribute to high blood sugar levels.
High levels of blood glucose may cause over-stimulation of insulin receptors rendering them unresponsive to any further increases. When this occurs repeatedly, the risk of insulin resistance is increased markedly. For this reason, the general advice is that the amount of carbohydrates in a meal should be kept at a third. Proteins, vegetables and fruits should make up two thirds.
There are a number of supplements that have been shown to be beneficial to persons that are at risk of insulin resistance. These include, among others, those that are rich in omega-3 fats, olive oil, soy products, nuts and beans. It is believed that these groups of foods exert their effect at genetic level to improve the process of carbohydrate metabolism. Some reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and enhance detoxification by the liver.
Physical exercise is another important intervention that needs to be taken. Regular physical exercise is hugely beneficial to the person at risk of type 2 diabetes. One of the benefits is that exercise promotes the breakdown of central abdominal fat, a well-known risk factor for diabetes. The other major benefit is that exercise leads to muscle contraction and increased demand for glucose by the contractile tissues. This effectively reduces the glucose levels in blood.
Any individual at the risk of insulin resistance should ensure that they avoid situations that would give them psychological stress. In presence of stress (especially that which is longstanding), a catabolic hormone known as cortisol is released in large quantities. This hormone promotes the breakdown of large macro-molecules to produce glucose. Engaging in relaxation activities such as massage, yoga, meditation and hypnosis regularly is highly recommended.
Related to quality sleep, is the need for adequate quality sleep. Sleep is important as it resets the system. During sleep, our metabolic requirements remain at the bare minimum meaning that the glucose levels are likely to be lowest at this time. This ensure that that there is less strain to the receptors and the chemicals that are involved in the functioning of these receptors are re-synthesized at this time.
If all these lifestyle changes are undertaken but no meaningful changes are seen then it may be time to try out drugs. The drugs are many and are often used in combination to get the optimal results. Although their mechanisms of action tend to vary, the end results is the lowering of blood glucose levels which helps to prevent hormonal resistance and progression to type 2 diabetes.
Diet should be addressed as a matter of priority. Both the composition and quantity of diet have the potential to influence the interaction between the hormone and its receptors found in virtually all the cells in the body. A large amount of carbohydrates has been singled out as one of the major contributors of hormonal resistance. Carbohydrates are broken down to glucose directly which means that they contribute to high blood sugar levels.
High levels of blood glucose may cause over-stimulation of insulin receptors rendering them unresponsive to any further increases. When this occurs repeatedly, the risk of insulin resistance is increased markedly. For this reason, the general advice is that the amount of carbohydrates in a meal should be kept at a third. Proteins, vegetables and fruits should make up two thirds.
There are a number of supplements that have been shown to be beneficial to persons that are at risk of insulin resistance. These include, among others, those that are rich in omega-3 fats, olive oil, soy products, nuts and beans. It is believed that these groups of foods exert their effect at genetic level to improve the process of carbohydrate metabolism. Some reduce inflammation and oxidative stress and enhance detoxification by the liver.
Physical exercise is another important intervention that needs to be taken. Regular physical exercise is hugely beneficial to the person at risk of type 2 diabetes. One of the benefits is that exercise promotes the breakdown of central abdominal fat, a well-known risk factor for diabetes. The other major benefit is that exercise leads to muscle contraction and increased demand for glucose by the contractile tissues. This effectively reduces the glucose levels in blood.
Any individual at the risk of insulin resistance should ensure that they avoid situations that would give them psychological stress. In presence of stress (especially that which is longstanding), a catabolic hormone known as cortisol is released in large quantities. This hormone promotes the breakdown of large macro-molecules to produce glucose. Engaging in relaxation activities such as massage, yoga, meditation and hypnosis regularly is highly recommended.
Related to quality sleep, is the need for adequate quality sleep. Sleep is important as it resets the system. During sleep, our metabolic requirements remain at the bare minimum meaning that the glucose levels are likely to be lowest at this time. This ensure that that there is less strain to the receptors and the chemicals that are involved in the functioning of these receptors are re-synthesized at this time.
If all these lifestyle changes are undertaken but no meaningful changes are seen then it may be time to try out drugs. The drugs are many and are often used in combination to get the optimal results. Although their mechanisms of action tend to vary, the end results is the lowering of blood glucose levels which helps to prevent hormonal resistance and progression to type 2 diabetes.
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