Diabetes is undoubtedly the commonest and most aggressive metabolic condition that exists today. The cause of the condition is a deficiency of insulin hormone or improper utilization of the same by the body. Two types of the condition exist: 1 and 2. While the first type is mainly due to hormonal deficiency, the second is mainly the result of hormonal resistance. There are a number of things that one can do to help reverse insulin resistance if at risk of diabetes.
Low levels of insulin hormone or the presence of hormonal resistance result in abnormal utilization of glucose in the body. When this happens over a long period of time, short term and long term complications may ensue. If the problem is identified early and prompt interventions undertaken, these complications can be safely averted. Current interventions mainly involve making changes to lifestyle practices.
Carbohydrates consist of sugar units as building blocks. When the carbohydrates are subjected to the process of digestion, they are broken down to these units. The units eventually end up as glucose molecules. This means that carbohydrates are a direct cause of increases in blood sugar levels. It has been established through research that if the levels remain high for a long time, the risk of developing insulin resistance is significantly increased. Efforts should be made to reduce carbs while increasing fruits and vegetables.
Other than macronutrients, micronutrients also play an important role. Some of the most significant include multivitamins, fish oils, magnesium, chromium and calcium. Each of them has a unique role it plays in the body. Magnesium, for instance, is vital in the digestion of fats and deposition of the same in adipose tissues. The exact mechanism that is involved here is not well understood.
Just as is the case with many metabolic conditions, physical exercise plays a vital role here. The benefits of regular exercise are mainly two fold. The first benefit is the fact that intense physical activity promotes utilization of glucose (as the muscles contract) which in turn reduces the levels in the blood. The other major benefit is the fact that such activities help in the breakdown of fat cells in adipose tissues.
There is also a need to look after mental health even as one strives to be physically fit. Stress has been shown to be a risk factor for fluctuations in blood sugar levels. At the same time, stress is a cause of abnormal weight gain mainly due to the increased production of a hormone known as cortisol. Taking part in regular relaxation activities such as meditation, yoga, biofeedback and massage often help to keep stress at bay.
Inadequate sleep has an effect that is similar to that of psychological stress. The levels of cortisol hormone are also increased in this instance leading to increased metabolism and high levels of glucose in the blood. Poor quality sleep may be intentional or may be the result of some medical conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea. Always strive to have 6 to 8 hours of quality sleep every day.
In the event that lifestyle interventions fail to achieve favorable results, more aggressive therapies need to be considered. Such will include, for instance, the use of oral hypoglycemic agents. Drugs that are used for this include, among others metformin, glipizide and glibenclamide all falling under different classes. In most occasions, the drugs are used in combination.
Low levels of insulin hormone or the presence of hormonal resistance result in abnormal utilization of glucose in the body. When this happens over a long period of time, short term and long term complications may ensue. If the problem is identified early and prompt interventions undertaken, these complications can be safely averted. Current interventions mainly involve making changes to lifestyle practices.
Carbohydrates consist of sugar units as building blocks. When the carbohydrates are subjected to the process of digestion, they are broken down to these units. The units eventually end up as glucose molecules. This means that carbohydrates are a direct cause of increases in blood sugar levels. It has been established through research that if the levels remain high for a long time, the risk of developing insulin resistance is significantly increased. Efforts should be made to reduce carbs while increasing fruits and vegetables.
Other than macronutrients, micronutrients also play an important role. Some of the most significant include multivitamins, fish oils, magnesium, chromium and calcium. Each of them has a unique role it plays in the body. Magnesium, for instance, is vital in the digestion of fats and deposition of the same in adipose tissues. The exact mechanism that is involved here is not well understood.
Just as is the case with many metabolic conditions, physical exercise plays a vital role here. The benefits of regular exercise are mainly two fold. The first benefit is the fact that intense physical activity promotes utilization of glucose (as the muscles contract) which in turn reduces the levels in the blood. The other major benefit is the fact that such activities help in the breakdown of fat cells in adipose tissues.
There is also a need to look after mental health even as one strives to be physically fit. Stress has been shown to be a risk factor for fluctuations in blood sugar levels. At the same time, stress is a cause of abnormal weight gain mainly due to the increased production of a hormone known as cortisol. Taking part in regular relaxation activities such as meditation, yoga, biofeedback and massage often help to keep stress at bay.
Inadequate sleep has an effect that is similar to that of psychological stress. The levels of cortisol hormone are also increased in this instance leading to increased metabolism and high levels of glucose in the blood. Poor quality sleep may be intentional or may be the result of some medical conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea. Always strive to have 6 to 8 hours of quality sleep every day.
In the event that lifestyle interventions fail to achieve favorable results, more aggressive therapies need to be considered. Such will include, for instance, the use of oral hypoglycemic agents. Drugs that are used for this include, among others metformin, glipizide and glibenclamide all falling under different classes. In most occasions, the drugs are used in combination.
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