Insulin Resistance, Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Disorder

Francesca DeBerge
Jul 20, 2017 · 3 min read

What do they ALL have in common?

Insulin resistance is a condition where the body produces insulin but does not use it correctly. When there is insulin resistance glucose builds up in the blood instead of being absorbed by the cells, leading to pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes (IDF, 2016). Metabolic syndrome, also called insulin resistance syndrome, is a group of traits and medical conditions linked to obesity, which puts people at risk for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes (IDF, 2016).

Metabolic Syndrome is defined as the presence of any three of the following:

1. Large waist size

2. High triglycerides in the blood

3. High blood pressure

4. Higher then normal glucose levels.

It is important to mention that not all people with insulin resistance suffer from this disorder.

Clinical insulin resistance and pre-diabetes are likely to progress to type 2 diabetes if not targeted for early intervention.

What put´s us at RISK?

Most notable in the review of scientific studies is the relation between cardiovascular fitness, nutrition and insulin resistance. The major contributors to this condition are excess weight and physical inactivity. Experts believe that obesity, especially excess weight around the waist, is the primary cause. Studies have shown that belly fat produces hormones and other substances that can cause serious health problems such as insulin resistance, high blood pressure, imbalanced cholesterol and cardiovascular disease.

READY FOR THE GOOD NEWS?

With the appropriate management, in particular nutrition and lifestyle changes, these conditions are potentially reversible or at the very least their progression can be controlled. The Western diet has been linked to obesity and a series of different illnesses, including insulin resistance. A drastic change in our nutritional education and the way we relate to food is key in avoiding the ever-expanding health epidemic. Holistic nutrition and a shift towards more traditional food, has become key to addressing modern chronic disease

References

Mason, C., PhD, Foster-Schubert, K. E., MD, MSc, Imayama, I., MD, PhD, Kong, A., PhD, Duggan, C. R., PhD, Ulrich, C. M., PhD, McTiernan, A., MD, PhD (2011).Dietary Weight Loss and Exercise Effects on Insulin Resistance in Postmenopausal Women. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 41(4). doi:10.1016/s0749–3797(11)00551–4

Roberts, C. K., Hevener, A. L., & Barnard, R. J. (2013). Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin Resistance: Underlying Causes and Modification by Exercise Training. Comprehensive Physiology, 3(1), 1–58. http://doi.org/10.1002/cphy.c110062

Song, M. Y., Kang, S. Y., Oh, T. W., Kumar, R. V., Jung, H. W., & Park, Y. (2015). The Roots of Atractylodes macrocephala Koidzumi Enhanced Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in C2C12 Myotubes via Mitochondrial Regulation. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015, 1–10. doi:10.1155/2015/643654

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2014). Insulin Resistance and Prediabetes. Retrieved from: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/Diabetes/insulin-resistance-prediabetes/Pages/index.aspx

Weickert, M. O. (2012), What dietary modification best improves insulin sensitivity and why?. Clin Endocrinol, 77: 508–512. doi:10.1111/j.1365–2265.2012.04450.x

Holisticare by Francesca

Holistic Care was born from the need to heal my body after a terrible car accident that led to several spine reconstructions and years in recovery.

)
Francesca DeBerge

Written by

Francesca is a Certified Food Therapist and is presently completing her Masters of Science in Holistic Nutrition.

Holisticare by Francesca

Holistic Care was born from the need to heal my body after a terrible car accident that led to several spine reconstructions and years in recovery.

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade