Inflammation and insulin resistance go hand in hand because cellular inflammation causes the fat and muscle cells to become resistant to the insulin hormone. At this time, the exact relationship at the cellular level is still unknown by the medical community. According to a study discussed in an article in Science Daily called, Low-Carb Diet Reduces Inflammation And Blood Saturated Fat In Metabolic Syndrome, it is believed that consuming a diet high in carbohydrates causes the cells to store the nutrients as fat instead of metabolizing them and burning them as energy.
Richard Feinman, PhD, professor of biochemistry at SUNY Downstate Medical Center, adds, “The real importance of diets that lower carbohydrate content is that they are grounded in mechanism — carbohydrates stimulate insulin secretion which biases fat metabolism towards storage rather than oxidation. The inflammation results open a new aspect of the problem. From a practical standpoint, continued demonstrations that carbohydrate restriction is more beneficial than low fat could be good news to those wishing to forestall or manage the diseases associated with metabolic syndrome.”
There are several reasons for inflammation and insulin resistance. One of the main causes for this condition is obesity.
Obesity Inflammation and Insulin Resistance
Obesity inflammation and insulin resistance occur simultaneously because the inflammation causes an increase in fat stores, and fat cells tend to be more resistant to insulin than muscle cells.
Obesity in America is now a huge epidemic. According to the CDC, one in three people in America is considered obese (BMI over 30%). The increase in obesity is also affecting children in America at an alarming rate.
Type II (insulin resistant) diabetes is on the rise due to obesity and poor lifestyle choices. Type II diabetes used to be known as adult onset diabetes. However, due to the increase in poor diets, lack of activity, and obesity in children, more young people are developing type II diabetes. Obesity inflammation and insulin resistance is now occurring in children as well as adults.
There are many treatments for this condition. The best treatment for obesity inflammation and insulin resistance is a healthy diet and regular vigorous activity.
Lifestyles to Treat Inflammation And Insulin Resistance
If you are suffering from inflammation and insulin resistance, your doctor will recommend treatment. In order to properly treat and even potentially cure these conditions, you will need to make some serious lifestyle changes. This includes eating a diet that includes at least 5 servings of veggies and fruit per day (more veggies than fruit). It also includes a few servings of lean proteins and whole grains each day. It is important to drink plenty of water each day (at least 8 – 8oz glasses).
In addition to diet changes, it will be necessary to add exercise or activity to your routine each week. It is recommended that you exercise at a moderate or vigorous pace at least 3 times per week for about 30 minutes each time. If you are not used to exercising, contact a trainer to set up a program for you to get started.
Your doctor may also prescribe oral medications and/or insulin injections until you have made enough lifestyle changes to combat the condition.
