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What is ‘Insulin Resistance’? Is the condition related to Diabetes?
By Dr. Patricia J. Wales, ND
Insulin Resistance means a loss of ability to respond to insulin and
to uptake glucose from the blood stream. As glucose is absorbed into the
bloodstream, the pancreas is prompted to release insulin. Insulin is needed
for glucose to enter cells to be used immediately as fuel, or to be stored
as glycogen or fat.
The more concentrated and refined the carbohydrates are, the faster blood
glucose levels will rise. The greater the volume eaten, the longer the
raised blood sugar levels will last. As cells become unable to respond to
insulin, the pancreas is induced to produce more and more insulin in an
attempt to force the cells to respond. Over time, the pancreas wears out and
then becomes unable to produce adequate insulin. It is now known that
Insulin Resistance precedes Type II diabetes. It is also associated with and
may be a contributing cause to many other conditions such as polycystic
ovary disease, elevated cholesterol, sleep apnea, hypertension,
cardiovascular disease and obesity.
What makes the cells become insulin resistant? The simple answer is
inactive, stressful lifestyles and nutrient-poor diets. The simple solution
is to understand and address these issues. Skeletal muscle has the greatest
capacity to utilize glucose. Thus, using skeletal muscle by increased
physical activity has a profound impact on improving glucose tolerance and
reducing elevated blood sugar levels. Stress increases cortisol levels and
contributes to insulin resistance. Adaptation to stressors can be improved
by adding stress-relieving techniques such as deep breathing, stretches,
yoga and 5 minute action or relaxation breaks throughout your day. Remove
nicotine and caffeine which also stimulate increased glucose and decrease
insulin sensitivity.
Dietary guidelines include increased fibre, vegetables and vitamin A-rich
foods plus decreased sugar, refined carbs, saturated fats and salt - all the
points that are known to be necessary for a generally healthy diet. A
balance of carbs, protein and fats in both meals and snacks slows release of
glucose and protects against insulin resistance. In addition, research has
identified specific nutrients that decrease insulin resistance: magnesium,
calcium, chromium, zinc, potassium, vitamin E and CoQ10.
Insulin Resistance is now affecting 25-35% of the population in Westernized
countries. You can be part of the solution by implementing these strategies.
For more details on this subject, please contact Dr. Patricia J. Wales, ND,
at 403.301.0123 or visit her website at
www.ndclinic.com
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