Saturday, May 11, 2013

How To Prevent And Reverse Insulin Resistance

By Wanda Vaughn


Understanding what impaired glucose tolerance, also known as insulin resistance, is important. There are approximately 57 million people in the world that have this pre diabetic condition. The condition can take many years to develop; therefore, knowing how to prevent and reverse insulin resistance can help reduce the risk of full blown diabetes.

The pancreas produces the insulin hormone. This hormone is used to metabolize carbohydrates and sugars to carry glucose to the cells in the body so they can obtain energy. When the cells no longer respond to the hormone and cannot obtain energy, the glucose levels in the blood become elevated. This is hard on the pancreas because it becomes overworked trying to produce more hormones in response.

This condition can be brought on by genetics and medications; however, the exact known cause is still under examination. It has been discovered that there are higher occurrences with obesity, ongoing illness and stress, pregnancy and steroid users. Some of the features of this condition include high blood pressure, high fasting blood glucose levels, high cholesterol and high triglycerides.

There are also some symptoms that can signify insulin resistance that individuals can look for. These symptoms include fatigue, dark patches of skin, memory and thinking not as clear as normal, weigh gain especially in the abdomen, hypertension, hypoglycemia, mood swings, easily agitated and feeling jittery. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should consult with a physician and have their glucose levels tested.

Prevention is possible and you can also reverse insulin retention with some natural remedies. The main things to concentrate on are a healthy weight, eating foods that score low on the glycemic index and reducing stress levels. Your diet should consist of foods high in fiber and low in refined sugars and saturated fats. Foods that fall into this category include fruits, vegetables and lean protein. These foods do not require as much of the hormone to metabolize therefore the pancreas does not get overworked. When looking for low glycemic index foods remember the more fiber content the lower the food will fall on the glycemic index.

High glycemic index foods should be avoided or consumed in very small quantities. Foods such as cake, cookies, pastries, white bread, white rice, white flour and candy all are very high on the glycemic index. These types of foods require the pancreas to work overtime producing the hormone to metabolize them. The more hormone, the higher the blood glucose levers. Even beverages such as whole fruit juices should be avoided or very small quantities consumed because they contain concentrated natural sugars. Potatoes without the skin score high on the glycemic index; however, if the skins are intact it will have a lower glycemic index. Remember, anything white should be consumed in very small quantities.

The things in which a person can control to help reduce the risk of this condition and help to prevent the onset of diabetes is simple. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating foods that score low on the glycemic index, exercising regularly and decreasing their stress levels. The one thing that cannot be controlled in prevention is genetics. Family history cannot be changed and neither can genetic makeup.

Prevention is the key to preventing diabetes and to reverse insulin resistance. Knowing what can trigger the condition and understanding the steps in which to take in order to try and reduce your risk is important. The more you know and understand about the condition and how to reduce your risk, the more likely you are to live a longer and healthier life.




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