Insulin Resistance
After the consumption of carbohydrates the blood glucose level rises and the pancreas secretes insulin.
The function of the insulin is to allow the absorption of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells. Inside the cells, the insulin receptors absorb the glucose from the insulin, enabling its incorporation into the cell.
Insulin resistance is a condition in which the insulin receptors do not respond properly to insulin. Hence, the blood glucose level remains high and the pancreas continues to secrete more insulin until it drops.
In order to diagnose insulin resistance, one must observe how long it takes the glucose to "disappear" from the bloodstream.
The best test for that purpose it the 100-gram oral glucose tolerance test (OGCT) that includes 4 blood samples and the consumption of pure glucose solution.
The test consists of examinations during fast and additional testsafter an hour, two hours and three hours after the consumption of the glucose solution.
In the normal state, the blood glucose level attains its peak after an hour, falls to a level close to the average after two hours and drops back to normal after three hours.
If insulin resistance exists, the blood glucose level would be abnormally high in one or all of the drawn samples, since the insulin receptors fail to respond and do not allow the absorption of glucose from the bloodstream into the cell.
In other words, the series of tests indicates a malfunction in the insulin receptors' activity.
The series of tests indicate, then, a malfunction of the insulin receptors.
An additional test that can be performed involves the comparison of the insulin and the glucose levels in the bloodstream.
Insulin resistance is the cause of adult diabetes, also known as type 2 diabetes. At first, the insulin resistance is subclinical, deteriorating over time (pre-diabetes) and finally resulting in type 2 diabetes.
During pregnancy, a subclinical insulin resistance turns clinical due to placental activity that prompts the secretion of insulin-suppressing hormones.
If the insulin resistance is not acute, it can be overcome by means of diet till the completion of the gestation period.
Otherwise, administrations of insulin analog are required.
Factors responsible for insulin resistance:
• The consumption of foods rich in monosaccharide (simple carbs).
• Lack of physical exercise.
• Excessive weight.
• Stress (causing the secretion of insulin-suppressing hormones).
How to overcome insulin resistance:
• Avoidance (as complete as possible) of simple carbohydrates.
• The replacement of polysaccharides with full carb choices.
• Dividing the daily nutrition into 5-6 servings (3 main meals and two intermediate).
• Regular physical exercise at least 4 times a week.
• Release of tensions and relaxation (finding ways to unwind, prioritization).
Important note: according to some hypotheses, the fat in the cells reduces the number of insulin receptors on the cells' membranes.
Physical exercise increases the receptors' sensitivity level to insulin, thus having the opposite effect than that of the fat tissues.
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| Iris Peleg | + 972-54-4608679
| peleg.iris@gmail.com | www.irispeleg.com |
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