Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that allows the body’s cells to absorb glucose (sugar) to use as energy. There are certain conditions that can cause an individual’s cells to be unable to use insulin, causing glucose to build up in the blood. When glucose levels are higher than normal, it can increase one’s risk of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Thankfully, if insulin resistance is detected early enough, there are various lifestyle changes that one can make to treat and even reverse the effects of the condition. To learn more about insulin resistance treatment, find a provider here.
There are several contributing causes of insulin resistance, genetic factors can be considered but lifestyle and eating plans are thought to be the most significant. Risk factors that can increase your chances of developing insulin resistance, prediabetes, and diabetes are:
Insulin resistance can make you feel shaky or cranky (low blood sugar in the early stages), crave sweets and carbohydrates, have heart palpitations after eating simple carbohydrates, and gain weight around the middle. Sometimes dark patches can appear on the neck, groin, and armpits (acanthosis nigricans) and skin tags can appear. If left untreated, insulin resistance can eventually lead to type 2 diabetes.
Classic diabetes symptoms can include:
Insulin resistance can also be associated with the following conditions:
Due to its largely asymptomatic nature, regular blood tests are the best way to diagnose insulin resistance. These blood tests can include:
A diagnosis of insulin resistance or prediabetes should be treated as a warning, and, thankfully, healthy lifestyle changes can usually reverse the condition. Treatment of insulin resistance usually involves eating a healthy diet. Best results are seen by following a Paleo or Ketogenic eating style:
Low glycemic index fruits and vegetables do not quickly increase your blood sugar, thus preventing a quick, increased release of insulin. High glycemic index foods to avoid are named in the simple carbohydrate list above. Additionally, individuals with prediabetes may be able to prevent developing type 2 diabetes by exercising for 30 minutes every weekday, or by losing weight.
Experts believe 85-90% of the problem is caused by the wrong eating style. Exercise is believed to be important by stimulating use of blood sugar for conversion to energy. Medications and supplements have been shown to help treat insulin resistance.
Metformin is a drug that can be used to treat type 2 diabetes by preventing the liver from releasing glucose into the blood and helping muscle and fat cells remove insulin.
Supplements that have been studied for their effectiveness include Berberine, High dose Alpha Lipoic Acid, D-Chiro-Inositol, Bergamot, Gymnema Sylvestre, Chromium, Biotin, and Cinnamon
Talk with your healthcare provider about which treatment would be best for you.
Find A Provider Near You
While it can be difficult to detect insulin resistance, the condition can be controlled and even reversed with healthy lifestyle changes. Find a provider, and schedule an appointment with an insulin resistance specialist today!
Insulin resistance is a condition in which cells in the body are unable to effectively use insulin. Insulin allows the body to absorb glucose (sugar), so someone with insulin resistance has higher than normal blood glucose levels.
No, but insulin resistance can seriously increase your risk of developing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Insulin resistance can make you feel shaky or cranky (low blood sugar in the early stages), crave sweets and carbohydrates, and gain weight around the middle. Sometimes dark patches can appear on the neck, groin, and armpits (acanthosis nigricans) and skin tags can appear.
Along with symptoms, insulin resistance may be detected with a blood tests. Look for rising levels of glucose, Hemoglobin A1c, Insulin, Cholesterol and triglycerides.
You can reverse and reduce insulin resistance and prediabetes with healthy lifestyle changes, such as an eating style stressing low glycemic index foods, healthy proteins and fats, exercise, and -if needed- medications and professional supplements.
