Type 2 diabetes is caused by inadequate production of insulin hormone or its failure to work on receptors found in body tissues (due to resistance). The result is persistently raised blood sugar levels that lead to both short term and long term complications. These two processes usually occur progressively over many years and can even be reversed when diagnosed early. In this article we will look at some of the strategies that can be adopted to reverse insulin resistance.
Being a metabolic disorder, diabetes is strongly related to the kind of foods that we take. Strive to reduce the amount of carbohydrates that you consume as much as possible. The main by-product of carbohydrate metabolism is glucose. Sustained high levels of carbohydrates increase the progression to diabetes and worsen preexisting diabetes. Most processed foods are considered to be highly glycemic as opposed to foods such as fruits, vegetables and proteins which generally have a low glycemic index.
Consider supplementing your diet with minerals that help reduce diabetic symptoms. Some of the supplements that have been shown to be beneficial include calcium, vitamin B complex, chromium, fish oil and oxidants. Magnesium is said to work on the digestive tract to increase the breakdown of fat which subsequently reduces what ends up in adipose tissue. Most of the others have mechanisms that are not clearly understood.
Exercise is critical. Engaging in regular physical activity helps to reduce the amount of central body fat and also improves the metabolism of sugar. The overall effect is improved insulin sensitivity and reduced resistance. It is recommended that one engages in at least 60 minutes of intense exercise for 5 or 6 days. This would include, for example, running, jogging, brisk walking, cycling or swimming. Doing these exercises immediately after dinner helps reap maximum benefits.
Psychological stress also contributes to this condition and should be avoided or reduced as much as possible. In stressful situations, a catabolic hormone known as cortisol is secreted in greater quantities. The consequence is increased breakdown of carbohydrates and increased levels of blood sugar. The hormone also increases the amount of central body fat which in turn contributes to hormonal resistance.
Drugs are considered if all the other alternatives fail. There are a number of drugs that are classified in different classes depending on the mechanism of action. Biguanides (such as metformin) are one of the classes that are most commonly used. They work by improving the response of the receptor. Thiazolidinediones are another group of effective drugs whose mechanism of action involves increase the cellular response.
Studies have shown that poor quality of sleep increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Situations that are likely to cause poor quality of sleep include conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, OSA and lack of adequate sleep for persons that work night shifts. Poor sleep quality predisposes to obesity which is in turn a risk factor for diabetes. Strive to sleep for at least 6 hours every night in a peaceful environment.
Abnormalities related to the production and use of insulin hormone are what give rise to diabetes. The resistance of body cells to this hormone is something that can be reversed progression to diabetes prevented if detected early. Strategies that are employed include lifestyle changes and drugs that help to increase hormone sensitivity.
Being a metabolic disorder, diabetes is strongly related to the kind of foods that we take. Strive to reduce the amount of carbohydrates that you consume as much as possible. The main by-product of carbohydrate metabolism is glucose. Sustained high levels of carbohydrates increase the progression to diabetes and worsen preexisting diabetes. Most processed foods are considered to be highly glycemic as opposed to foods such as fruits, vegetables and proteins which generally have a low glycemic index.
Consider supplementing your diet with minerals that help reduce diabetic symptoms. Some of the supplements that have been shown to be beneficial include calcium, vitamin B complex, chromium, fish oil and oxidants. Magnesium is said to work on the digestive tract to increase the breakdown of fat which subsequently reduces what ends up in adipose tissue. Most of the others have mechanisms that are not clearly understood.
Exercise is critical. Engaging in regular physical activity helps to reduce the amount of central body fat and also improves the metabolism of sugar. The overall effect is improved insulin sensitivity and reduced resistance. It is recommended that one engages in at least 60 minutes of intense exercise for 5 or 6 days. This would include, for example, running, jogging, brisk walking, cycling or swimming. Doing these exercises immediately after dinner helps reap maximum benefits.
Psychological stress also contributes to this condition and should be avoided or reduced as much as possible. In stressful situations, a catabolic hormone known as cortisol is secreted in greater quantities. The consequence is increased breakdown of carbohydrates and increased levels of blood sugar. The hormone also increases the amount of central body fat which in turn contributes to hormonal resistance.
Drugs are considered if all the other alternatives fail. There are a number of drugs that are classified in different classes depending on the mechanism of action. Biguanides (such as metformin) are one of the classes that are most commonly used. They work by improving the response of the receptor. Thiazolidinediones are another group of effective drugs whose mechanism of action involves increase the cellular response.
Studies have shown that poor quality of sleep increases the chances of developing type 2 diabetes. Situations that are likely to cause poor quality of sleep include conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea, OSA and lack of adequate sleep for persons that work night shifts. Poor sleep quality predisposes to obesity which is in turn a risk factor for diabetes. Strive to sleep for at least 6 hours every night in a peaceful environment.
Abnormalities related to the production and use of insulin hormone are what give rise to diabetes. The resistance of body cells to this hormone is something that can be reversed progression to diabetes prevented if detected early. Strategies that are employed include lifestyle changes and drugs that help to increase hormone sensitivity.
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