Diabetes and insulin have a direct connection. In type 1 diabetes, insulin production stops in the patient’s body or sometimes it is produced in very small amounts, so by this the blood sugar level increases. In type 2 diabetes, insulin is produced in the patient’s body, but due to resistance, it cannot be used properly.
If the production and use of insulin in the body continues properly, then there is no risk of diabetes. Now the question comes in mind that what is insulin resistance and Insulin Resistance – Causes. What are its symptoms and what can be the methods of prevention. So here we will know the answers to all these questions in detail.
What is Insulin?
If you are also looking for ways to cure insulin resistance or insulin resistance, then this article can prove to be very beneficial for you. Insulin is the most prominent hormone in a person’s body. It is secreted by the pancreas which is important in regulating the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins as well as the level of sugar in the blood.
What is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin resistance occurs when the body loses the ability of cells to absorb glucose and use blood sugar for energy and it increases the risk of developing prediabetes and then type 2 diabetes. In such a situation, the pancreas does not make enough insulin or even if it is made, the body is unable to use it, due to which the chances of developing diabetes gradually increase.
Symptoms for Insulin Resistance
- W eight gain
- Fatigue is a sign of insulin resistance
- Increased hunger and thirst in insulin resistance
- increased urination
- darkening of the skin
- weakness in hands and feet
- hair loss and acne
- getting infected again and again
Insulin Resistance – Causes/Risk Factors
The exact causes of insulin resistance is yet to be discovered and experts believe that due to different genes, its risk may be more or less in people. According to experts, excessive fat on the stomach, obesity, physical inactivity, highly processed foods, saturated fats and some medicines can cause insulin resistance. Apart from this, the elderly are more prone to this but it can happen to people of any age.
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Lack of exercise or yoga
- Smoking
- Sleep problems
- High blood pressure
Diagnosis of Insulin Resistance
Haemoglobin A1C test –The haemoglobin A1C test usually monitors their blood sugar levels over a month or more. Also, it is used to diagnose patients suffering from diabetes and pre-diabetes.
Fasting plasma glucose test– This test is done after a person has fasted for at least 8 hours, hence it is called a fasting plasma glucose test. This helps doctors determine the level of sugar in your blood.
Oral glucose tolerance test- Usually doctors recommend you to get this test done after fasting glucose test. This test involves ingesting a sugary drink and then testing your blood sugar two hours after drinking it.
Insulin Resistance – Prevention
To avoid Insulin Resistance, you should take a healthy diet. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fish and lean poultry can be included in the diet. Diet with high carbohydrates, red meat and sugary foods should not be consumed. Apart from this, physical activity should be done for at least 30 minutes every day as it will help in increasing glucose energy and improves insulin sensitivity. If your weight is high then try to reduce it as losing 8% of your weight can cut your risk of type 2 diabetes by 59%.
Natural remedies/treatment for insulin resistance
- Improve your sleep patterns
- Exercise and workout
- Eat a high (soluble) fiber diet
- Drink green tea
- Cut down on carbs
- Avoid trans fat
When to meet doctor for insulin resistance?
If there is insulin resistance in our body, it cant be detected by any test. No symptoms are visible for this and when this condition turns into pre-diabetes, then it can be detected through tests. In pre-diabetes, the blood sugar level becomes higher than normal, but remains less than in diabetes.
If pre-diabetes is not treated, then type 2 diabetes occurs in a few years. To detect insulin resistance, blood sugar level test should be done from time to time. If it is more than normal then a doctor should be consulted.
Insulin Resistance – FAQs
When a person have food, his/her body releases glucose and he/she use it for energy. Insulin, made by the pancreas, is the hormone that helps with this conversion. Glucose gets stored in the muscles, fat cells and liver and it enables our body to use the energy in the future as well.
The symptoms and causes of both insulin resistance and diabetes are the same. The biggest culprits behind these are metabolic syndrome and high blood pressure. Unhealthy food emerges as a problem in the right lifestyle.
Please consult a doctor to know about this.
Effect of diabetes on gums, teeth and penis erection problems with treatment, prevention needs to be written in the said article for general information of patients. How such patient can overcome in thes situations.