Ways 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 options that are available can be used singly or in combination. It has been shown through research that outcomes are better when several strategies are employed simultaneously. Dietary modification, engaging in regular physical exercise, reducing psychological stress and the use of nutritional supplements are all commonly used strategies. Although each of them works differently they all help in reducing inflammatory changes in the body, detoxifying the liver and reducing oxidative stress.

The first thing that you need to do is to identify the foods that need to be reduced in the diet and those that should be increased. This may mean that you work very closely with your nutritionist. In general, the intake of carbohydrates should be reduced significantly. Carbohydrates are broken down to glucose which usually accumulates in the body in the absence of insulin hormone.

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 is one of the contributors of high levels of glucose in circulation. This occurs due to an increase in the levels of a hormone known as cortisol. Cortisol is typically produced in stressful conditions and one of its roles is to increase the breakdown of macromolecules into molecules such as glucose. When consistently high, cortisol may contribute to hormonal resistance and diabetes. Taking part in relaxation exercises such as yoga and meditation are very useful in these cases.

Various supplements have been used over the years and a number of them have been found to be very helpful. Magnesium is one of the supplements that have been in use for a while now. The element is said to help in increasing insulin sensitivity and facilitating fat digestion. Others that have been tried include vitamin B complex, chromium and calcium.

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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