Insulin Resistance Diets, Causes, Symptoms, And Treatments

5. Skin Infections And Slow Healing Of Cuts Or Wounds

High blood sugar levels can also damage blood vessels and make it harder for the body to deliver oxygen and nutrients to the skin, making it more vulnerable to infection.

Additionally, people with insulin resistance may have dry skin, which can crack and become irritated, increasing the risk of skin infections. People with insulin resistance may have a deficiency of Vitamin C, an important nutrient for wound healing.

4. Irritability, Depression, And Mood Swings

Insulin resistance is associated with an increase in the levels of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can cause mood swings, irritability, and depression.

Additionally, people with insulin resistance may have a deficiency of certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins, which are important for brain function and mental health. High blood sugar levels can also cause inflammation and damage to the brain cells. This can lead to changes in mood and behavior.

3. High Blood Pressure

High levels of insulin can cause the blood vessels to constrict. This can cause damage to the blood vessels which leads to hypertension.

Obesity, which is closely associated with insulin resistance, and a diet high in salt are other factors that can contribute to hypertension in people with insulin resistance.

Accumulation of fat in the liver and muscle tissue is common in people with insulin resistance. This can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress, which can damage blood vessels and lead to hypertension.

2. High Cholesterol

This increased insulin production can lead to an increase in LDL (bad) cholesterol and a decrease in HDL (good) cholesterol, which can increase the risk of heart disease.

In addition to that, insulin resistance is also associated with an increase in inflammation and oxidative stress, which can also contribute to the development of high cholesterol.

1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) In Women

This increased insulin production can cause an increase in the production of androgens (male hormones) by the ovaries, which can lead to the development of symptoms such as hirsutism (excessive hair growth), acne, and irregular menstrual periods.

Insulin resistance can also lead to an increase in inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to the development of PCOS.

Treatments

Insulin resistance, if left untreated, can lead to the development of several serious health conditions that can be life-threatening.

The most common and dangerous complication of insulin resistance is type 2 diabetes, which can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, stroke, kidney failure, nerve damage, and blindness.

Metabolic syndrome, which is closely related to insulin resistance, is also a significant risk factor for heart disease and stroke, which are the leading causes of death globally.

Furthermore, PCOS can lead to infertility, endometrial cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it is important to identify and treat insulin resistance early to prevent the development of these serious health issues and improve the overall quality of life.

Below are insulin resistance treatments worth knowing.

14. Sleep More

Chronic sleep deprivation can lead to the release of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can interfere with the body’s ability to process insulin, making it harder for cells to use glucose for energy.

Moreover, lack of sleep can also disrupt the body’s metabolism and appetite-regulating hormones, which can lead to weight gain and obesity, another risk factor for insulin resistance.

13. Lose Some Weight

Obesity is a major risk factor for insulin resistance. As the body’s fat cells increase in size and number, they become less responsive to insulin. This leads to an increase in insulin resistance and a decrease in insulin sensitivity.

By losing weight, the body’s fat cells decrease in size and number, which can lead to an improvement in insulin sensitivity.

12. Get More Exercise

The main way exercise improves insulin sensitivity is by increasing the number and activity of insulin receptors on the surface of cells, which allows them to respond more effectively to insulin.

This results in an increased uptake of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells, reducing the amount of glucose in the bloodstream. Exercise can also help to lower blood sugar levels by increasing the sensitivity of the liver to insulin. This results in a decrease in glucose production by the liver, which can help to lower blood sugar levels.

11. Avoid Stress

Stress can cause the body to release hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can interfere with the body’s ability to process insulin, making it harder for cells to use glucose for energy. This can cause blood sugar levels to rise, which can lead to insulin resistance.

Chronic stress can also disrupt the body’s metabolism and appetite-regulating hormones, which can lead to weight gain and obesity, another risk factor for insulin resistance. It’s best to avoid stress to manage and treat insulin resistance.

10. Increase Intake Of Soluble Fiber

Soluble fiber is a type of dietary fiber that absorbs water and forms a gel-like substance in the gut. It can slow down the absorption of carbohydrates and glucose, which can help to lower blood sugar levels.

This can help to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Soluble fiber can also help to promote weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness and reducing overall calorie intake.

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