Ways On How To Reverse Insulin Resistance

By Patty Goff


Insulin resistance has been singled out as the most significant contributor to type II diabetes. The unfortunate thing is that most people do not know that they actually have the condition until they develop overt diabetes. Identifying the disorder in time plays a key role in ensuring that its progress is kept in check. If you have been diagnosed with the hormone disorder, there are a number of strategies on how to reverse insulin resistance that you will find helpful.

In general the strategies that are used include dietary modification, regular physical exercise, supplements and reduction of psychological stress reduction. It is common for the various options to be used in combination. Each of them works differently but in the end all of them help to reduce oxidative stress, inflammatory changes as well as helping in liver detoxification.

The general idea is to identify the kinds of foods that you need to cut on and those that you need to eat more often. The main problem in insulin resistance (and by extension, diabetes), is disordered metabolism of carbohydrates. All carbohydrates are normally broken down into glucose which is subsequently taken up by body cells. When this process is hindered, there is accumulation of sugar in the body.

Foods that produce high amounts of glucose after metabolism are said to be highly glycaemic. Most carbohydrates fall under this category. They are the foods that contribute most to the progression of diabetes. The general recommendation is that persons at risk should take more protein, fruits and vegetables. Foods with olive oil, beans, soy products and omega-3 oils are among those thought to be most helpful.

The importance of physical exercise cannot be overemphasized. During exercise, the metabolic requirements of the body increase and this helps to burn down excess glucose that is contributing to hormonal resistance. At the same time, exercise helps in redistribution of fat tissue effectively curbing excess weight which is another of the biggest risk factors. It is recommended that one takes part in small amounts of high intensity exercise rather than the low intensity cardio.

Psychological stress is another important cause of hormonal resistance and diabetes. The hormone cortisol is usually produced in stressful situations. Cortisol is a pro-metabolic hormone that causes an increase in the amount of circulating glucose among other things. If the levels of cortisol are elevated for long periods of time, the risk for hormonal resistance increases significantly. Engaging in relaxation exercises helps reduce this risk.

Supplements are said to help in some situations. Magnesium is said to increase insulin sensitivity and to facilitate the digestion of fats. All these help in reducing the amount of glucose in circulation. Other supplements that have also been in use include calcium, vitamin B complex and chromium. Many of their mechanisms of actions are not yet clear.

Pharmacotherapy options may be considered in the event that the natural options fail. There are a number of drugs that have been developed to reduce the glucose levels or to increase the sensitivity of insulin. It is common to use different classes of drugs at the same time so as to have maximal effect.




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