Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin rises after eating to promote sugar uptake by different types of cells in the body.
Muscle cells use sugars for energy production. Liver cells convert sugar to glycogen. While fat cells convert excess sugar to fat.
During fasting and exercise, insulin levels drop to allow glycogen and fat breakdown to be used for energy production.
What Is Insulin Resistance?
Insulin resistance occurs when cells become less sensitive to insulin, forcing the pancreas to secrete more insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. When the pancreas can no longer keep up with the increasing insulin demand, a condition called pre-diabetes occurs.
Patients with pre-diabetes have elevated blood sugar levels. Blood sugar level is still not high enough to be diagnosed as type 2 diabetes.
Over time, as insulin resistance worsens, pre-diabetes develops into type 2 diabetes.
Causes of Insulin Resistance and Risk Factors
The exact causes of insulin resistance are still not fully understood. However, central obesity (visceral fat), physical inactivity, and a diet of highly processed foods are strongly associated with insulin resistance.
The Role of Visceral Fat in Insulin Resistance
Central obesity, also known as increased visceral fat, is due to excess fat accumulation in the liver, pancreas, and around the intestines. Visceral fat increases inflammation that impairs liver and pancreas function and leads to insulin resistance.
Lifestyle Factors That Contribute to Insulin Resistance
- Lack of exercise
- Chronic stress
- Diet high in refined carbohydrates
These factors contribute to visceral fat accumulation and insulin resistance.
How to Reduce Insulin Resistance
You can reduce your insulin resistance before you develop type 2 diabetes.
Lifestyle Changes to Improve Insulin Sensitivity
- Reduce stress
- Exercise daily
- Adopt a low-carb, vegetable- and protein-rich diet
- Avoid high glycemic index foods
High glycemic index foods, such as wheat-related products like bread, pasta, cake, and cookies, cause your blood sugar to rise quickly.
Working With a Nutritionist
Our bariatric nutritionist can help you replace high glycemic index food items like rice, potatoes, high-sugar drinks like juices and sodas, and breakfast cereals with nuts, non-starchy vegetables, berries, and fish.
Medical Options for Managing Insulin Resistance
If lifestyle changes are not enough to help reduce your insulin resistance, medications and surgical options may be considered.
Medications for Insulin Resistance
If lifestyles changes are not enough to help reduce your insulin resistance, medications like Metformin and Ozempic are often used to reduce appetite, promote weight loss and improve insulin sensitivity.
Gastric Sleeve Surgery for Severe Insulin Resistance
If your BMI is more than 35, gastric sleeve surgery is a safe and reliable tool to reduce your appetite, lower your weight and your insulin resistance.
For additional information on reversing insulin resistance, preventing type 2 diabetes, and improving your health, give us a call at 832-963-1803.