Is Your Body Resisting Insulin?

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Insulin resistance is a condition that effects muscle, fat and liver cells. The receptors in these cells become less sensitive to insulin and are not able to utilize the hormone properly. Glucose therefore, is unable to gain access into these cells.

The resulting high blood glucose level continues to signal the pancreas to release more insulin into bloodstream, while the liver produces excessive glucose in response to the energy-starved cells.

Eventually, this compensation mechanism fails to work. The poor pancreas - under great pressure - is unable to meet insulin demand after meals, resulting in excess glucose in the bloodstream.

Many people with insulin resistance have high levels of blood glucose and insulin simultaneously circulating in the blood. When the blood glucose level is higher than normal but not in diabetic range, it is known as impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) or impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG). In layman's terms, this is 'pre-diabetes'. If the person is not careful, type 2 diabetes mellitus will occur soon after.

A Risk for Heart Disease

Insulin resistance is included as a cluster of metabolic and vascular abnormalities called the metabolic syndrome which increases the risk for heart disease.

Metabolic syndrome is diagnosed when a person has three or more of the following conditions:

1. High fasting blood glucose levels: >100mg/dL (>5.6 mmol/L)

2. High blood pressure: >130/85 mm Hg

3. Central obesity (waist circumferences): women >34.5 inches (88 cm); men >40 inches (102 cm)

4. Elevated triglyceride level: >150 mg/dL (1.69 mmol/L)

5. Low HDL cholesterol level: women <50 mg/dL (1.29 mmol/L); men <40 mg/dL (1.04 mmol/L)

Causes of Insulin Resistance

The prime reason for insulin resistance is the declining sensitivity of receptor cells in the muscles, liver and adipose tissues. Genetic factors may be responsible for insulin resistance, as this condition tends to run in families. Too much adipose (fat) tissues and a lack of exercise may also reduce the insulin sensitivity in muscle tissue

How Do I Know?

One of the common signs of insulin resistance is Acanthosis Nigricans - darkening of skin around the neck. Other possible sites are the elbows, knees, knuckles and armpits.

However, the only sure way to know if you have diabetes is to test your blood glucose level. If you are above 45 years, overweight and have a family history of diabetes, you must be tested for diabetes.

The best way to check for diabetes is to test blood taken from a vein, not capillary.

Can It be Reversed?

The answer is, encouragingly, Yes! Shed some baggage from your waistline. Engage in an exercise regime to work your muscles. Physical exercise and losing weight can improve the cell's insulin sensitivity. Be active, eat well and you can beat insulin resistance. Constantly watch your lifestyle and you will reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus.

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