Insulin is a hormone that controls the metabolism of carbohydrate foods. The hormone may, in some cases, be deficient or in excess both of which are associated with serious clinical complications. Perhaps the most worrying is where the hormone is deficient leading to diabetes. The same may also come about when the body is unable to use the hormone in spite of normal levels. It is important that all diabetic patients are taught how to reverse insulin resistance so that they can know what to do if their condition moves in this direction.
Apart from raised blood sugar the syndrome is also characterized by abnormal lipid levels and excessive fat deposition around the abdomen. There several factors believed to predispose to the metabolic syndrome. They include, among others, psychological stress, obesity, physical inactivity and increased carbohydrate intake. What these factors have in common is that they all contribute to elevated glucose levels. When the levels are persistently high, insulin receptors are overwhelmed and most start to dysfunction and shut down.
There are a number of steps that can be taken to control the condition. They include taking part in regular physical exercise, modifying the diet, taking supplements and reducing stress among others. Dietary modification, involves reduction in the intake of high glycemic foods and to instead consume more proteins, fruits and vegetables. The focus should be on the reduction of oxidative stress, prevention of inflammation and enhancement of liver detoxification.
A number of foods are known to be very effective in controlling inflammation and reducing oxidative stress. Foods containing olive oil, omega-3 oils, beans, soy products and seeds are examples. The foods work at the gene level to produce their effect. They ensure that glucose rises in a gradual rather than a sudden manner. The rise in insulin is consequently also gradual which reduces the chances of advancing to hormonal resistance.
Supplements also have their place. Magnesium, for example, alleviates some of the associated symptoms. It helps in lipolysis (fat breakdown) and also improves insulin sensitivity. It is an element that has been found to be deficient in many patients with the syndrome. Other important supplements that are recommended include vitamins D, B, E, C and E as well as chromium and calcium.
Stress has been identified as one of the causative agents of diabetes. Its control plays a big role in controlling hormonal resistance. Stress is associated with the release of a hormone known as cortisol. This hormone increases weight gain particularly around the abdominal area, predisposes to inflammatory reactions and raises glucose levels. Yoga, meditation, exercise, hypnosis, massage and guided imagery are examples of techniques that can be used to reduce stress.
The role of exercise cannot be overemphasized. Consistent physical exercise helps redistribute the abnormally deposited fat and also helps burn excessive glucose which eventually lowers the levels in circulation. Engaging in a 30-minute walk daily after dinner keeps the sugar levels in check. For individuals that want to reverse resistance, more intense exercises are needed. Taking part in aerobic exercises lasting for about an hour five times a week is a good enough routine.
Anti-diabetic drugs may be used in the event that all the other methods are unsuccessful. These drugs have different mechanisms of action but the net effect is either increased hormonal sensitivity or reduced levels of glucose. Drug groups that may be used include biguanides, alpha glucosidase inhibitors and thiazolidinediones. Patient that would wish to have individualized advice on how to reverse insulin resistance should consult with a qualified diabetic specialist.
Apart from raised blood sugar the syndrome is also characterized by abnormal lipid levels and excessive fat deposition around the abdomen. There several factors believed to predispose to the metabolic syndrome. They include, among others, psychological stress, obesity, physical inactivity and increased carbohydrate intake. What these factors have in common is that they all contribute to elevated glucose levels. When the levels are persistently high, insulin receptors are overwhelmed and most start to dysfunction and shut down.
There are a number of steps that can be taken to control the condition. They include taking part in regular physical exercise, modifying the diet, taking supplements and reducing stress among others. Dietary modification, involves reduction in the intake of high glycemic foods and to instead consume more proteins, fruits and vegetables. The focus should be on the reduction of oxidative stress, prevention of inflammation and enhancement of liver detoxification.
A number of foods are known to be very effective in controlling inflammation and reducing oxidative stress. Foods containing olive oil, omega-3 oils, beans, soy products and seeds are examples. The foods work at the gene level to produce their effect. They ensure that glucose rises in a gradual rather than a sudden manner. The rise in insulin is consequently also gradual which reduces the chances of advancing to hormonal resistance.
Supplements also have their place. Magnesium, for example, alleviates some of the associated symptoms. It helps in lipolysis (fat breakdown) and also improves insulin sensitivity. It is an element that has been found to be deficient in many patients with the syndrome. Other important supplements that are recommended include vitamins D, B, E, C and E as well as chromium and calcium.
Stress has been identified as one of the causative agents of diabetes. Its control plays a big role in controlling hormonal resistance. Stress is associated with the release of a hormone known as cortisol. This hormone increases weight gain particularly around the abdominal area, predisposes to inflammatory reactions and raises glucose levels. Yoga, meditation, exercise, hypnosis, massage and guided imagery are examples of techniques that can be used to reduce stress.
The role of exercise cannot be overemphasized. Consistent physical exercise helps redistribute the abnormally deposited fat and also helps burn excessive glucose which eventually lowers the levels in circulation. Engaging in a 30-minute walk daily after dinner keeps the sugar levels in check. For individuals that want to reverse resistance, more intense exercises are needed. Taking part in aerobic exercises lasting for about an hour five times a week is a good enough routine.
Anti-diabetic drugs may be used in the event that all the other methods are unsuccessful. These drugs have different mechanisms of action but the net effect is either increased hormonal sensitivity or reduced levels of glucose. Drug groups that may be used include biguanides, alpha glucosidase inhibitors and thiazolidinediones. Patient that would wish to have individualized advice on how to reverse insulin resistance should consult with a qualified diabetic specialist.
