Currently, the molecular aspects of the formation of insulin resistance, its effect on the human body and its role in the development of vascular and metabolic disorders are being actively studied. In practical terms, the ways of correcting insulin resistance are especially interesting and important. At the moment, not so many methods of exposure are known: lifestyle changes and three groups of drugs – biguanides, thiazolidinediones and technologically processed antibodies to the C-terminal fragment of the b-subunit of the insulin receptor and endothelial NO-synthase. Early therapy can become one of the effective methods of primary prevention of type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications. This article discusses modern practical approaches to the correction of insulin resistance.
So what is insulin and insulin resistance?
Insulin is a protein-based hormone secreted by the beta cells of the pancreas. This is a kind of policeman who strictly monitors the level of glucose in the blood and, when it rises, includes various mechanisms and ways to return to the starting point — that is, to the physiological values optimal for the functioning of organs.
Insulin, contrary to a common misconception, does not transport glucose on itself — it, in principle, does not transport anything or anyone. The mechanism of its action is somewhat different: for example, in adipose tissue and in muscles, it promotes the movement of a specific GLUT 4 transporter from the cytoplasm (that is, the internal environment, the suspension of the cell in which organelles and the nucleus” float”) to the membrane.
What are the causes of insulin resistance?
A decrease in the insulin reactivity of tissues can be triggered by many factors – age-related changes, pregnancy, physical inactivity, puberty, weight gain, infectious process, stress, fasting, uremia, liver cirrhosis, ketoacidosis, endocrine diseases. The most common causes of insulin resistance include:
Excessive consumption of sugar. When eating foods containing a large amount of refined sugar, the body begins to produce insulin more actively. The sensitivity of cells to its effects decreases, and the amount of glucose remains elevated.
Obesity. Adipose tissue performs endocrine and paracrine functions-it produces substances that affect the susceptibility of cells to insulin. In obesity, the interaction of the hormone with receptors and intracellular glucose transport is disrupted.
The genetic burden. The factor of predisposition to insulin resistance is heredity. Disorders of carbohydrate metabolism occur in people whose direct relatives have been diagnosed with diabetes, obesity or arterial hypertension.
Symptoms of insulin resistance
Insulin resistance is not clinically manifested, but develops on the basis of certain characteristics of the body, provokes metabolic disorders, changes the work of internal organs. Therefore, in relation to insulin resistance, it is worth talking not about the symptoms, but about the accompanying signs. There is an excessive deposition of fat, especially often in the waist area. This type of obesity is called abdominal. Visceral fat accumulates around the organs, affects their functions. Another common sign is high blood pressure, manifested by headache in the occipital part, dizziness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, sweating, redness of the face.
Fluctuations in blood sugar levels lead to the fact that patients feel tired, weak, depressed, irritability, experience increased thirst and hunger. The skin may have a specific pigmentation – black keratosis (acanthosis). The skin areas on the neck, sides, in the armpits, under the mammary glands darken, become rough and wrinkled, sometimes peel off. In women, insulin resistance is often accompanied by symptoms of hyperandrogenism, which arose on the basis of polycystic ovary syndrome. Characteristic signs are oily seborrhea, vulgar acne, menstrual disorders, the appearance of an excessive amount of hair on the hands, legs and face.
Correction of insulin resistance is a key influence on the main components of the metabolic syndrome.
How to reduce insulin resistance?
They normalize the level of vitamin D and testosterone, since the deficiency of these hormones plays a key role in the development of insulin resistance. Vitamin D is necessary for the proper functioning of insulin receptors, with its lack, sugar levels are difficult to control even with the help of medications. Age-related patients with diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance need to adjust the level of sex hormones: estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. Since we are still talking about hormones, you should seek the help of a doctor.
Make up for the iron deficiency. The examination plan for diabetes mellitus necessarily includes measuring the level of ferritin.
Include antioxidants and Omega-3 in the diet – they are mandatory for the treatment of insulin resistance and will be extremely useful for the cardiovascular system.
Review your diet, namely, eliminate snacking and take a break between meals for 4-6 hours. Any food stimulates the production of insulin, only if the intervals are observed, its level decreases, and fat burning becomes possible. High levels of insulin increase your appetite, so try to drink water between meals. In extreme cases, you can have a snack with seeds or nuts.
Normalize sleep, a night break in food – at least 11-12 hours.
Do fasting days 1-2 times a week with one meal-breakfast. The rest of the time, drink water, herbal teas. In the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, a doctor’s consultation is mandatory.
Increase your physical activity. There is a high concentration of insulin receptors in the muscles. Therefore, if there are a lot of muscles and they are in good shape, the lower the level of insulin and insulin resistance.
Limit your diet to fast carbohydrates (sweet, flour).
Discuss with your endocrinologist which medications are suitable for you to reduce insulin resistance.
What should I do to ensure that all ABC indicators are normal?
- Take medications that reduce sugar levels
- Diet and a special type of nutrition for diabetes mellitus
- Aerobic physical activity
The mechanism of insulin resistance “turns on” long before the patient is diagnosed with prediabetes or already develops diabetes mellitus. A person confidently and conscientiously goes to this disease for 10-15 years. It is very difficult to cure diabetes mellitus. However, if you detect insulin resistance in time and correct it correctly, it will help to avoid, at least, lifelong dependence on sugar-lowering drugs and insulin.
