Insulin is a very important hormone as far as the metabolism of carbohydrates is concerned. It is released following intake of glucose containing foods. Its absence leads to diabetes. Insulin resistance (or metabolic syndrome) is a condition closely associated with diabetes. The syndrome is characterized by inability of the body to use the hormone leading to a number of other abnormalities including raised blood sugar, high lipid levels and obesity. In the event that diabetic patients develop the syndrome they are advised to talk to endocrinologist for advice on how to reverse insulin resistance.
A number of factors have been identified as risk factors that predispose to the metabolic syndrome. The main ones include obesity and minimal physical activity particularly in patients with preexisting diabetes. The triggering factor is persistently elevated blood sugar which leads to overuse of receptors. The receptors, as a result, shut down and begin to malfunction. From this point there is a vicious cycle of elevated blood sugar and receptor shutdown.
One of the strategies that can be used to reverse the disorder is to change the diet so that it has more of slow carbohydrates. These foods cause a gradual rise in blood sugar rather than a sudden increase. As a result insulin response is also gradual. Over time, cellular immunity directed against the hormone wears off. Vegetables and fruits with lots of fiber eaten along with lean proteins are recommended. The addition of proteins slows down the absorption of sugars from these sources.
Omega-3 fatty acids are another option that can be used. These fats are essential in the building of healthy cellular walls. In presence of adequate amounts of these fats, resistant cells that reach end of their cycle are replaced by healthier, non-resistant cells. Sources include krill oil, flaxseed oil, wild mackerel and salmon.
Other than diet, micronutrients have also been found to play a role in the cause of metabolic syndrome. Magnesium is a good example. The element is important in the process of fat breakdown and also reverses the symptoms of the syndrome through unknown mechanisms. Magnesium supplementation will therefore be very important particularly in deficient states. One of such nutrients is magnesium. Chromium and vitamin D may also be helpful.
Metabolic syndrome is closely related to obesity. The two worsen each other and controlling either leads to an improvement in the other. High sodium levels are the main cause of the obesity and therefore reducing these levels controls the weight and in the long run, the resistance. The recommended daily intake of sodium should not exceed 1500 mg.
There is a big role for exercise. One of the functions of physical exercise is to control the excessive weight gain. Another function is to enhance insulin uptake by contracting muscle fibers. Regular physical exercise has been associated with creation of more glycolytic receptors. It is recommended that one takes part in intense physical activity 30 minutes a day, at least 3 days in a week.
Pharmacological agents may be necessary in some cases. Commonly used drugs include metformin (biguanide family), thiazolidinediones, acarbose and miglitol. These drugs increase both glucose and hormonal uptake by body tissues. They are commonly used in combination. If everything fails, then insulin may be used but this is not usually very effective. Patients are advised to see their physicians who will give them more advice on how to reverse insulin resistance.
A number of factors have been identified as risk factors that predispose to the metabolic syndrome. The main ones include obesity and minimal physical activity particularly in patients with preexisting diabetes. The triggering factor is persistently elevated blood sugar which leads to overuse of receptors. The receptors, as a result, shut down and begin to malfunction. From this point there is a vicious cycle of elevated blood sugar and receptor shutdown.
One of the strategies that can be used to reverse the disorder is to change the diet so that it has more of slow carbohydrates. These foods cause a gradual rise in blood sugar rather than a sudden increase. As a result insulin response is also gradual. Over time, cellular immunity directed against the hormone wears off. Vegetables and fruits with lots of fiber eaten along with lean proteins are recommended. The addition of proteins slows down the absorption of sugars from these sources.
Omega-3 fatty acids are another option that can be used. These fats are essential in the building of healthy cellular walls. In presence of adequate amounts of these fats, resistant cells that reach end of their cycle are replaced by healthier, non-resistant cells. Sources include krill oil, flaxseed oil, wild mackerel and salmon.
Other than diet, micronutrients have also been found to play a role in the cause of metabolic syndrome. Magnesium is a good example. The element is important in the process of fat breakdown and also reverses the symptoms of the syndrome through unknown mechanisms. Magnesium supplementation will therefore be very important particularly in deficient states. One of such nutrients is magnesium. Chromium and vitamin D may also be helpful.
Metabolic syndrome is closely related to obesity. The two worsen each other and controlling either leads to an improvement in the other. High sodium levels are the main cause of the obesity and therefore reducing these levels controls the weight and in the long run, the resistance. The recommended daily intake of sodium should not exceed 1500 mg.
There is a big role for exercise. One of the functions of physical exercise is to control the excessive weight gain. Another function is to enhance insulin uptake by contracting muscle fibers. Regular physical exercise has been associated with creation of more glycolytic receptors. It is recommended that one takes part in intense physical activity 30 minutes a day, at least 3 days in a week.
Pharmacological agents may be necessary in some cases. Commonly used drugs include metformin (biguanide family), thiazolidinediones, acarbose and miglitol. These drugs increase both glucose and hormonal uptake by body tissues. They are commonly used in combination. If everything fails, then insulin may be used but this is not usually very effective. Patients are advised to see their physicians who will give them more advice on how to reverse insulin resistance.
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