Medication and insulin resistance may be a good option if lifestyle changes are not effective in controlling your condition. Insulin resistance is most common in adults with obesity or other lifestyle conditions.
Insulin resistance is a condition that occurs when the fat and muscle cells in the body become unable to utilize insulin properly. Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the pancreas to metabolize blood sugar properly. When the body becomes resistant to the insulin hormone it cannot metabolize blood sugar properly.
Insulin resistance is also known as type II diabetes or adult onset diabetes. The condition is most common in adults. However, with the current obesity epidemic in children, insulin resistance is on the rise in this population, as well.
Lifestyle is one of the main causes of insulin resistance. There are many things that contribute to this condition including a poor diet that is high in sugar and processed foods. Other contributing factors include a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and other chronic medical conditions such as high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Lifestyle Changes To Combat Insulin Resistance
There are many things that can be done to combat insulin resistance naturally. If you have been diagnosed with insulin resistance you will want to begin a diet that is low in sugar. You will also want to avoid processed foods as much as possible. According to the American Diabetes Association, it is best to consume less than 25 grams of sugar per day.
The best type of diet to follow with insulin resistance is one that includes several servings of healthy veggies and whole grains per day. Then add 2 to 3 servings of lean proteins and fruits that are low in natural fruit sugar (such as berries). Try to avoid processed and packaged foods. Your best options are organic foods that are in season and grown locally.
Exercise and increased daily activity also play a huge role in combating insulin resistance. If you currently lead a sedentary lifestyle, you might want to consider purchasing a pedometer to track your steps per day. It is recommended that you take at least 10,000 steps per day. This tracker will help you find ways to move more throughout the day.
You may also want to add a regular activity program to your routine. Try adding moderate exercise to your routine 3 times per week for 20-30 minutes each session. You can work up from there.
Medication and Insulin Resistance
In some cases lifestyle changes are not enough to combat this condition. In such cases, medication and insulin resistance may need to be combined to control the condition. There are several oral medications that your physician might prescribe to help your body utilize the insulin hormone properly.
If you feel that your medication is not working properly or you would like to try an alternative treatment, it is import to contact your physician before making these changes.
