Diabetes, Obesity and Insulin Resistance
Being overly fat greatly increases the risk of developing pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes. This, in turn, can lead to other serious medical conditions. Individuals are considered pre-diabetic if they have higher than normal blood sugar levels, but less than type 2. Pre-diabetes often leads to type 2 diabetes.
The human body processes food into energy by converting it into a form of usable sugar called glucose. Glucose is allowed to pass through the cell by way of insulin which is a hormone. Both pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes are disorders of insulin production and metabolism. When someone has diabetes their ability to make insulin is compromised and their blood sugar rises.
There is another condition called insulin resistance where an individual produces too much insulin but lacks the receptor sites to absorb insulin into the cell. People who are insulin resistant have too much insulin in their blood stream. Because insulin is a fat storage hormone they are usually over weight or obese. As these conditions lead to pre- and type 2 diabetes it's a treacherous revolving door.
So far there has been no single solution to this problem. A single drug, or even a combination of them, will not eliminate the effects of insulin resistance or diabetes. Diabetes is brought on in part by being overweight while insulin resistance contributes to obesity. So what's the answer? If you wish to return to optimal health, consider a full system of proper nutrition, exercise and a solid support system that will help you make the right lifestyle choices each step of the way:
1) If you are 20% over your normal weight you are at risk for diabetes. Losing even a few lbs can lower that risk.
2) Make healthy food choices. Eat 5-7 servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, eat plenty of fiber, avoid refined carbs and keep complex carbs at a minimim. Choose complete lean protein sources and healthy fat sources. Protein, fat and fiber regulate insulin levels.
3) Eat 6-8 smaller meals a day. Include a small lean protein source, fresh fruits and vegetables and a healthy fat source. Eating more frequently regulates insulin levels. Eat as little breads and pastas as possible.
4) Regular exercise allows your body to use glucose without extra insulin. This combats insulin resistance which is a precurser to weight gain which can be followed by diabetes.
5)Eat healthy essential fatty acids such as the omega-3's or alpha-lipoic acid. These have been shown to aid in weight loss and insulin control.
6)Keep stress levels normal. Stress levels that are elevated over long periods of time lead to a rise in another hormone called cortisol. Cortisol not only promotes fat gain but can indirectly effect how insulin reacts in your body.
Being overweight isn't easy. It's especially hard when it is hormonally driven. Weight gain with a hormonal component puts you at greater risk for serious medical conditions and it is harder to lose the weight than it is for a normal person. Begin by seeing your healthcare professional and getting the right diagnosis and any needed medication. Then start by slowly adapting to new eating, exercising and lifestyle habits that will lead you to healthy successful weight loss.
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Source: ArticleTrader.com