Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Insulin acts as a carrier which binds with circulating glucose and delivers glucose to the cells for its function. Glucose in itself is unable to bind to the body cells alone; it needs insulin for this purpose.
Thus it plays an important role in utilizing glucose from the blood.
Causes of Insulin Resistance
What are the factors which cause insulin resistance?
- Obesity.
- Pregnancy
- Stress and strain.
- Use of steroids
- Metabolic syndrome.
- Infection or severe illness.
- Hepatitis C
- Sugars (fructose and sucrose)
Insulin resistance is not a disease but it has been associated with conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, polycystic ovarian disease, obesity, type 2 diabetes, non alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Symptoms of Insulin Resistance
Symptoms of insulin resistance: symptoms may vary from person to person.
- High blood sugar
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Abdominal gas.
- Person feels sleepy after meals.
- Weight gain.
- Increased blood triglyceride
- Raised blood pressure.
- Person feels abnormally hungry.
Diet and Precautions for Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance diet should be composed of low carbohydrate, moderate amount of fat and protein.
Food to avoid: sugar, alcoholic beverages, artificial sweeteners, sugar, white bread, white flour, white rice, hydrogenated oils, fried foods, processed food.
Food that can be consumed in moderate quantity: wheat, brown rice, non starch vegetables, chicken, lamb, fish, eggs, almonds, menstruated oils, salt to a minimal quantity.
Foods which can be consumed liberally: radish, pepper, cucumber garlic, onion, spinach, tomato, cabbage, turnip, mushroom etc.
Treatment:
- Avoid food with high glycemic index. Unrefined sugar, white bread, corn and potato products such as bagels, mashed potatoes, French fries.
- Food that can be consumed with a low glycemic index: fiber containing food, spinach, broccoli, carrots etc.
- Exercise: Work out is a must.
- Yoga and meditation.