Insulin is a peptide hormone responsible for regulating the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats in the body. It facilitates absorption of glucose from blood into tissues and organs such as skeletal muscle, the liver and adipose tissue. The hormone is produced by special cells, the islets of Langerhans, in the pancreas. To reverse insulin resistance, one must have adequate knowledge on the same, including its causes and symptoms.
Disordered hormonal control of carbohydrate metabolism is associated with dire consequences. Insulin resistance, also known as relative insulin deficiency can be described as a condition in which cells fail to respond to the normal action of this hormone. The body normally produces the hormone but the cells fail to utilize it leading to increased glucose levels in blood. This is the typical presentation in type 2 diabetes.
Many of the signs and symptom of this condition are not given much concern since they are always assumed to be something else. Relative insulin deficiency may present as fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, excessive thirst, frequent urination among others. Biochemical findings include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and acidosis. A lab test will therefore be required to decide whether one is a diabetic or not.
The aetiology of resistance is majorly related to lifestyle. It is based on the fact that more hormone production is triggered when blood sugar is raised. This in turn reduces the affinity of the hormone to appropriate receptors. Factors that can cause increased blood sugar include caffeine, alcohol, foods with high content of sugar, stress and so forth.
Cutting down on carbohydrate intake is crucial for lowering blood sugar. Alternative foods like fat and protein can be used instead. The body adapts by burning up fat as a form of providing energy. In this way, not only are hormone levels adjusted but also blood pressure, triglycerides among other factors that needed to be stabilised.
Another important strategy is the use of physical exercise. Taking part in exercise at least 3 days a week helps in burning excess glucose. Brief periods of exercise also stimulate the autonomic nervous system to release adrenaline which facilitates glucagon action by the liver. Glucagon is a hormone that opposes a fall in blood glucose levels.
Physical exercise must be coordinated with the dietary modification. If this is not done, the gains made by the exercise are negated by poor dietary habits. Other habits that should be avoided include the consumption of alcohol and tobacco smoking. Both of these have been found to raise sugar levels. One should focus on relieving stress through having enough sleep and meditating.
A comprehensive nutritional program is inevitable as one of the most important ways to reverse insulin resistance. Most vital supplements include vitamin B6, chromium and glutamine. These not only help in adjusting blood sugar levels but also in changing the diet. Other crucial supplements include vitamins B, C and E, magnesium and manganese. The best diet for reversal is one with adequate lean meat, fish, eggs, non starchy vegetables and clean water.
Disordered hormonal control of carbohydrate metabolism is associated with dire consequences. Insulin resistance, also known as relative insulin deficiency can be described as a condition in which cells fail to respond to the normal action of this hormone. The body normally produces the hormone but the cells fail to utilize it leading to increased glucose levels in blood. This is the typical presentation in type 2 diabetes.
Many of the signs and symptom of this condition are not given much concern since they are always assumed to be something else. Relative insulin deficiency may present as fatigue, weight gain, anxiety, excessive thirst, frequent urination among others. Biochemical findings include low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and acidosis. A lab test will therefore be required to decide whether one is a diabetic or not.
The aetiology of resistance is majorly related to lifestyle. It is based on the fact that more hormone production is triggered when blood sugar is raised. This in turn reduces the affinity of the hormone to appropriate receptors. Factors that can cause increased blood sugar include caffeine, alcohol, foods with high content of sugar, stress and so forth.
Cutting down on carbohydrate intake is crucial for lowering blood sugar. Alternative foods like fat and protein can be used instead. The body adapts by burning up fat as a form of providing energy. In this way, not only are hormone levels adjusted but also blood pressure, triglycerides among other factors that needed to be stabilised.
Another important strategy is the use of physical exercise. Taking part in exercise at least 3 days a week helps in burning excess glucose. Brief periods of exercise also stimulate the autonomic nervous system to release adrenaline which facilitates glucagon action by the liver. Glucagon is a hormone that opposes a fall in blood glucose levels.
Physical exercise must be coordinated with the dietary modification. If this is not done, the gains made by the exercise are negated by poor dietary habits. Other habits that should be avoided include the consumption of alcohol and tobacco smoking. Both of these have been found to raise sugar levels. One should focus on relieving stress through having enough sleep and meditating.
A comprehensive nutritional program is inevitable as one of the most important ways to reverse insulin resistance. Most vital supplements include vitamin B6, chromium and glutamine. These not only help in adjusting blood sugar levels but also in changing the diet. Other crucial supplements include vitamins B, C and E, magnesium and manganese. The best diet for reversal is one with adequate lean meat, fish, eggs, non starchy vegetables and clean water.
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