Diabetic Source.Org

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.

Determining the total amount of carbs that are in your foods is paramount.  Newly diagnosed individuals with Type II diabetes often think that actual sugar is the only ingrediant that can raise their blood sugars, however this is not true.  Foods that are high in starchs/carbs like white breads, pretzels and pasta can and will raise your blood sugars as well…it’s not just candy!  You see, carbs get converted by your metabolism to sugar.  When shopping for foods that contain carbohydrates try not to buy anything that contains 10 grams of total carbs (shoot for less if you can).  Remember the lower the carbs the better your sugar levels will be.