Insulin resistance is an increasingly worse response of cells to the action of the hormone insulin.
Such insensitivity to insulin interferes with the proper distribution of glucose in tissues. As a result, in an effort to normalize blood glucose levels, insulin is produced even more. In the meantime, the ability of the pancreas to do this may deteriorate.
Key factors in the development of insulin insensitivity are most often a combination of the following factors:
☛ an excess of calories in the diet and, as a result, gaining body weight due to adipose tissue;
☛ a constantly high level of glucose, because a person constantly eats something;
☛accumulation of visceral fat (around the internal organs);
☛ high cholesterol level (in particular, too many low- and very low-density lipoproteins - this is shown by an extensive cholesterol analysis);
☛ excess sodium in the diet (pickles, sausages, white bread, fast food);
☛ lack of micronutrients due to an unbalanced diet (fast food, emphasis on sweets, lack of vegetables and other whole foods);
☛ taking certain medications (glucocorticoids, antiandrogens, some antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs);
☛ sedentary lifestyle.
The consequences of loss of sensitivity to insulin are high blood pressure, disturbed fat balance and high level of urea in the blood, inappropriate inflammation (not related to the immune system's fight against pathogens), loss of blood vessels' ability to respond adequately to changes in blood flow, and susceptibility to thrombosis.
In 10-15 years, insulin resistance can become type 2 diabetes, and the risk of stroke or heart attack increases many times.
The primary measures to restore insulin sensitivity are lifestyle changes, namely:
Reduction of calorie consumption and body weight.
Building a diet from whole fresh products or prepared by boiling, stewing or baking at temperatures up to 180 °C (at this temperature, compounds that can contribute to the development of diabetes are not formed).
Exclusion of foods with a high glycemic index (everything that makes us feel full quickly, and then just as quickly - hunger, that is, sweets, mashed potatoes, muesli, white bread).
Muscle loading with training.
Full sleep.
A doctor may also prescribe medications to normalize glucose and cholesterol levels.
If you already have cardiovascular diseases or non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, they should also be treated with medication.
Ministry of Health of Ukraine
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