Posts Tagged ‘insulin’

Insulin Resistance: What Is Insulin Resistance

Posted in insulin resistance on August 28th, 2008 by admin – Be the first to comment

What Is Insulin Resistance?

Insulin resistance occurs when your muscle, fat (lipo) and liver cells stop responding to the effects of insulin.  When this happens the pancreas tries to make more and more insulin, however it can’t keep up with the demand for insulin and eventually glucose levels in the body start to rise.  If insulin resistance is not diagnosed and halted it eventually turns into Type II Diabetes.

So, what causes Insulin Resistance?

Extra fat tissue reduces the effectiveness of the insulin hormone.

Can I reverse Insulin Resistance?

Yes!!! With diet and excercise.  Every pound in body fat lost increase the effectiveness of insulin.  You don’t have to go on some sort of crash diet, just try to lose about 5-10 pounds and then get re-tested for insulin resistance.

Insulin 101 – How Does Insulin Work

Posted in Diabetes Basics on August 26th, 2008 by admin – Be the first to comment

Insulin is a hormone produced by our pancreas that allows glucose (the most basic fuel for any cell) to enter the cell and thus give the cell energy to carry out normal functions.

So, how does insulin relate to Diabetes?

In Type 1 diabetes NO insulin is ever produced.  This is a condition that can be fatal over time if regular insulin shots are not given on timely and correct basis.

In Type 2 diabetes not enough insulin is produced by the pancreas and insulin must be provided via an external source (shots, oral or inhaled).

What are the effects of little or no insulin?

  • being extremely tired since cell cannot get enough energy
  • urinating a lot since the body is trying to excrete all that extra glucose
  • organ damage from elevated glucose levels.