In type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance is the main problem that causes a dangerous rise in blood sugar. Insulin sensitizers such as the biguanides and thiazolidinediones classes of drugs can address this, but there are natural treatments that have the same beneficial effects. Fat and muscle cells use insulin to absorb glucose from the blood, and the liver reduces its glucose secretion when insulin is circulating. However, for those with type 2 diabetes, while they can produce insulin, these functions are impaired. Causes range from genetic (family history, predisposition due to race), to environmental and physiological (lack of exercise, 40-45 years of age, hypertension, high cholesterol and triglycerides, and obesity). Insulin sensitizers work in different ways, but the end result is that they help the body to more effectively use insulin.
Insulin Sensitizers: Drug Therapy
The two classes of prescription drugs that act as insulin sensitizers are biguanides (metformin) and thiazolidinediones (glitazones), which include rosiglitazone (Avandia) and pioglitazone (Actos). Earlier biguanides drugs, phenformin and buformin, were withdrawn due to lactic acidosis risks, and the glizazone troglitazone was withdrawn due to cases of hepatitis and liver damage. Avandia is currently under restricted use in the U.S., but was banned in Europe in 2010 because of cardiovascular health concerns. Actos was banned in Germany and France, due to a risk of bladder cancer after long-term use. Metformin works by suppressing glucose production by the liver, improving glucose uptake by the cells, and decreasing gastrointestinal absorption. The most common side effects are nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, though lactic acidosis can occur in those with kidney, lung or liver dysfunction. The glitazone insulin sensitizers, Avandia and Actos, decrease glucose, fatty acid and insulin concentrations in the blood by working with nuclear receptor proteins that play a key role in metabolism. Glitazone side effects can include cold and flu-like symptoms, muscle pain, fluid retention and weight gain, mild anemia and headaches. People at risk of liver disease or heart failure, and also children and pregnant women, should not use them.
Insulin Sensitizers: Natural Treatments
There are many natural insulin sensitizers that are healthy alternatives to the drugs mentioned above. First on the list is exercise. It has been scientifically proven that even one exercise session of moderate intensity can improve the body’s uptake of glucose by 40% [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8857019?dopt=Abstract]. The ideal is moderate aerobic and resistance exercise on a daily basis. Reducing body fat and maintaining a healthy blood sugar balance will also help, which leads to the subject of a healthy diet. Especially important are foods rich in fiber, antioxidants (e.g. darkly colored fruits and vegetables), and omega-3 fish oils. Clinical trials have shown that caffeine reduces insulin sensitivity, so you should limit caffeine intake. It is also advised to decrease saturated and trans-fat, and refined/processed foods that have high glycemic index values. Plants and herbs that have been shown to improve insulin resistance include bitter melon, mulberry leaves, fenugreek, cinnamon, ginseng, and gymnema sylvestre.
