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Insulin Resistance

One of the greatest influences on the blood glucose levels in a diabetic is insulin. Insulin is a very necessary element in the body’s use of glucose; for, it helps the blood glucose make its way into the body’s cells. If successful, the body beautifully functions as it was created to do; if not, then the body begins to develop conditions that can lead to complications and, even, death. There are many reasons for the glucose not to find its way into cells: some of those reasons have to do with the lack of insulin or too small a production of insulin in the body. However, another reason the blood sugar is not efficiently used occurs when the cells, themselves, develop something called insulin resistance.

The hormone insulin is produced by the beta cells in the pancreas and then the pancreas releases the insulin into the body. As the insulin moves through the bloodstream it performs some vital functions. A major function of insulin involves the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Insulin has another important function which is regulating the body cells and being involved in their growth. However, when the cells grow resistant to the insulin and its effects, insulin levels increase in order to continue in its particular functions. The insulin resistance develops, causing a rise in glucose (blood sugar) levels. This is never a positive influence; instead the higher glucose levels, if continued indefinitely, begin to damage to the body.

However, as long as the pancreas can continue producing enough insulin to prevail over the resistance, the glucose levels will remain fairly stable. Blood glucose levels begin rising when the pancreas can no longer “keep up” with producing insulin. This is no sudden incident, either. It may take years until the insulin resistance finally results in diabetes mellitus type 2. The individual may not even know he has developed the diabetes until diabetes type 2 symptoms are plainly evidenced. Unfortunately, the damage to the body may have already taken place.

There are many reasons that the resistance develops. Some think that genetics have an impact on developing the insulin resistance; some medications can lead to the resistance; and excessive stress can also trigger insulin resistance. Other sources that have led to insulin resistance are obesity; some illnesses or infections; steroid use; and pregnancy. Something called “metabolic syndrome” which is a combination of several conditions can also result in insulin resistance. Three or more of the following factors are present in metabolic syndrome (according to the American Heart Association and the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute): large waist measurement (in men, 40 inches or more; in women, 35 inches or more); blood pressure of 130/85 mmHg or higher; blood glucose 100 mg/dl or higher; triglycerides 150 mg/dl or higher; low HDL cholesterol (men, under 40 mg/dl; women, under 50 mg/dl). Unfortunately, these are some of the same conditions that also lead to diabetes type 2.

Other conditions are also associated with insulin resistance. Insulin resistance will cause the accumulation of fat in the liver since the lipids (fats) are no longer controlled. This “fatty” liver can either be mild or severe and has been linked to cirrhosis of the liver and liver cancer. Arteriosclerosis (or atherosclerosis), cardiovascular disease, and kidney disease have also been connected with insulin resistance.

In preventing or managing insulin resistance, the diabetic (or any one, really) should take several important steps: exercise regularly at least 30 minutes daily; eat a high fiber, low fat diet, including fish at least two times weekly; lose weight, if necessary to bring the body mass index (BMI) less than 25; not smoking; and manage blood glucose and blood pressure. Actually, these are the same steps that any diabetic should also take in managing diabetes. In both instances, success in following these steps means success in managing both conditions.

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