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.
The building blocks of carbohydrates are sugars of various complexities. During the process of digestion the macromolecules of carbohydrates are broken down to the simpler constituents and eventually into glucose. This means that carbohydrates directly increase the levels of blood glucose. Research shows that taking too many calories will keep the blood sugar levels abnormally high and predispose to hormonal resistance. The general recommendation is that one should cut down on carbohydrates and increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Apart from the macronutrients, dietary changes should also consider a number of micronutrients. Such include, among others, calcium, multivitamins, fish oil, chromium and magnesium. Magnesium, in particular, is very important as regards the digestion of fats. It reduces the deposition of digested fats to adipose tissues which in turn reduces the risk of hormonal resistance. The mechanisms involved for many of the other elements remain largely obscure.
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.
Mental health should not be ignored even as one focuses on achieving good physical health. Psychological stress has been associated with fluctuations in the levels of blood glucose. Stress also causes weight gain due to increased cortisol levels. There is a need to have scheduled relaxation activities such as hypnosis, yoga, meditation and massage to prevent excessive stress.
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.
The building blocks of carbohydrates are sugars of various complexities. During the process of digestion the macromolecules of carbohydrates are broken down to the simpler constituents and eventually into glucose. This means that carbohydrates directly increase the levels of blood glucose. Research shows that taking too many calories will keep the blood sugar levels abnormally high and predispose to hormonal resistance. The general recommendation is that one should cut down on carbohydrates and increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables.
Apart from the macronutrients, dietary changes should also consider a number of micronutrients. Such include, among others, calcium, multivitamins, fish oil, chromium and magnesium. Magnesium, in particular, is very important as regards the digestion of fats. It reduces the deposition of digested fats to adipose tissues which in turn reduces the risk of hormonal resistance. The mechanisms involved for many of the other elements remain largely obscure.
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.
Mental health should not be ignored even as one focuses on achieving good physical health. Psychological stress has been associated with fluctuations in the levels of blood glucose. Stress also causes weight gain due to increased cortisol levels. There is a need to have scheduled relaxation activities such as hypnosis, yoga, meditation and massage to prevent excessive stress.
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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