Understanding Insulin Resistance: Causes, Effects, Early Diagnosis, and Overcoming the Hurdle by Dr Tikfu Gee

Introduction

Nearly one-third of American adults suffer from insulin resistance1, a condition that sits at the crossroads of many chronic ailments with serious health implications. As an experienced medical doctor specialising in diet, health, and lifestyle, I've compiled thorough insights to put insulin resistance into perspective, help detect it early, and suggest realistic solutions to overcome it.


What is Insulin Resistance?

Insulin resistance is the diminished response of cells to insulin, the hormone responsible for allowing glucose into cells, resulting in abnormal blood sugar levels2. This condition can trigger serious health problems such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

Understand the Causes of Insulin Resistance:

There are numerous factors contributing to the development of insulin resistance, such as:

  1. Poor diet: Consuming processed foods high in fat and sugar is associated with insulin resistance3.

  2. Lack of physical activity: Sedentary lifestyles have been related to increased insulin resistance3.

  3. Stress: Chronic stress levels can cause our bodies to produce hormones that counteract insulin3.

  4. Genetics: A family history of type 2 diabetes can increase the risk of developing insulin resistance4.

What are the Effects of Insulin Resistance?

Untreated insulin resistance can lead to Type 2 Diabetes, but it also plays a significant role in other health complications:

  1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Women with insulin resistance are at a higher risk of developing PCOS5.

  2. Heart Disease and Stroke: Insulin resistance can lead to early atherosclerosis, increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke6.

  3. Obesity: Insulin resistance often leads to the accumulation of fat around the waist, causing obesity6.

Early Diagnosis of Insulin Resistance:

Detecting insulin resistance early can prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Medical professionals may use the Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), a mathematical formula with fasting insulin and glucose levels7. Blood tests, medical history, and physical exams can also aid in diagnosing this condition7.

Strategies to Overcome Insulin Resistance:

By making lifestyle changes, it's possible to reduce insulin resistance:

  1. Improve diet: Incorporate more whole foods, especially fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains8.

  2. Increase physical activity: Regular exercise can help lower insulin levels and increase insulin sensitivity8.

  3. Decrease stress: Stress management techniques such as yoga, mindfulness, and deep breathing exercises can help lower cortisol levels8.

  4. Sleep well: Adequate sleep aids in controlling insulin levels8.


Conclusion

Insulin resistance is a health concern, but it's within our power to counteract its effects. Early detection coupled with lifestyle modifications is our best defense in mitigating and even preventing this condition.


See you in my next entry!

Dato Dr Tikfu Gee

#DrTikfuGee #DatoDrTikfuGee #DrGee #TikfuGee #InsulinResistance #CausesOfInsulinResistance #EffectsOfInsulinResistance #Early DiagnosisOfInsulinResistance #OvercomingInsulinResistance #Diabetes #Obesity #Diet #Exercise #Sleep #Stress #Type2Diabetes #PCOS #HeartDisease


References:

  1. National diabetes statistics report (2023). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [Online]. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data/statistics-report/index.html ↩

  2. Kahn B.B., Flier J.S. Obesity and insulin resistance (2000). J Clin Invest. DOI: 10.1172/JCI10842 ↩

  3. He K., Hu F.B., Colditz G.A., Manson J.E., Willett W.C., Liu S. Changes in intake of fruits and vegetables in relation to risk of obesity and weight gain among middle-aged women (2004). Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord. DOI: 10.1038/sj.ijo.0802795 ↩

  4. McCarthy M.I. Genomics, type 2 diabetes, and obesity (2010). N Engl J Med. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMra0906948 ↩

  5. Diamanti-Kandarakis E., Dunaif A. Insulin resistance and the polycystic ovary syndrome revisited: An update on mechanisms and implications (2012). Endocr Rev. DOI: 10.1210/er.2011-1034 ↩

  6. Donath M.Y, Shoelson S.E. Type 2 diabetes as an inflammatory disease (2011). Nat Rev Immunol. DOI: 10.1038/nri2925 ↩

  7. Seppälä-Lindroos A., et al. Fat accumulation in the liver is associated with defects in insulin suppression of glucose production and serum free fatty acids independent of obesity in normal men (2002). J Clin Endocrinol Metab. DOI: 10.1210/jcem.87.7.8638↩

  8. Mirmiran P., Bahadoran Z., Azizi F. Functional foods-based diet as a novel dietary approach for management of type 2 diabetes and its complications: A review (2014). World J Diabetes. DOI: 10.4239/wjd.v5.i3.267 ↩

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