Insulin is a very important hormone in metabolism. It is particularly important in regulating the uptake of glucose breakdown products by the cell. Disordered production of this hormone is associated with serious clinical consequences. Deficiency of insulin is the main cause of type I diabetes. The other cause of this medical disorder is resistance of the body to the hormone. There are a number of interventions that can be used to reverse insulin resistance among diabetic patients.
Resistance to insulin disrupts the utilization of carbohydrate products. The physiological processes involved is rather complex but what is most important to understand is that the hormone loses its ability to stimulate the uptake of glucose by the cells leading to its accumulation within the blood stream. This is what causes diabetes. Resistance commonly occurs when there is a change in the structure of the hormone receptors.
Deficiency of this hormone may go unnoticed over a long period of time. A few constitutional signs may be seen in the beginning but this is just for a few of the cases. Such symptoms include weight gain, frequent urination, depression, fatigue and so on. A laboratory test may be more helpful as it may help reveal elevated levels of blood sugar or acidosis.
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.
Since hormone resistance is cause by high blood sugar, it can be reversed by cutting down of carbohydrate and replacing it with a diet rich in fats and protein. When this is done, the body responds by producing less hormone and using up stored fat. This in turn causes a stabilization of insulin, cholesterol, blood pressure and everything else that had been out of place.
The role of exercise in maintaining blood glucose cannot be overemphasized. Consistent physical exercise is needed to redistribute deposited fat and to burn excessive glucose. Taking part in a 30-minute walk daily is enough to keep the sugar levels in check. The intensity of exercise should be proportional to the blood glucose level.
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.
Resistance to insulin disrupts the utilization of carbohydrate products. The physiological processes involved is rather complex but what is most important to understand is that the hormone loses its ability to stimulate the uptake of glucose by the cells leading to its accumulation within the blood stream. This is what causes diabetes. Resistance commonly occurs when there is a change in the structure of the hormone receptors.
Deficiency of this hormone may go unnoticed over a long period of time. A few constitutional signs may be seen in the beginning but this is just for a few of the cases. Such symptoms include weight gain, frequent urination, depression, fatigue and so on. A laboratory test may be more helpful as it may help reveal elevated levels of blood sugar or acidosis.
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.
Since hormone resistance is cause by high blood sugar, it can be reversed by cutting down of carbohydrate and replacing it with a diet rich in fats and protein. When this is done, the body responds by producing less hormone and using up stored fat. This in turn causes a stabilization of insulin, cholesterol, blood pressure and everything else that had been out of place.
The role of exercise in maintaining blood glucose cannot be overemphasized. Consistent physical exercise is needed to redistribute deposited fat and to burn excessive glucose. Taking part in a 30-minute walk daily is enough to keep the sugar levels in check. The intensity of exercise should be proportional to the blood glucose level.
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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