The main source of energy for the body is a sugar called glucose. Food is broken down in the digestive process and then the hormone insulin is produced by the pancreas to process the glucose in order for cells to properly convert glucose to energy. Insulin resistance occurs when the body produces insulin that is not recognized or responded to, so the pancreas is stimulated to produce additional insulin in order for glucose to be converted to energy. Insulin resistance sets the stage for the metabolic syndrome, diabetes and other serious health concerns, but exercise and weight loss are prime solutions for preventing or reversing this condition.
Symptoms
The symptomless body can often hide insulin resistance and more often than not, there are no clear indicators that something is wrong. This can further complicate health issues when you delay a visit to your physician and obtain a proper diagnosis. There are, however, common issues reported, such as fatigue, fat around the waist and increased blood pressure. Additionally, you might notice dark patches of skin around the neck, elbows, knees, knuckles and armpits, says the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse.
Causes of Insulin Resistance
People are genetically predisposed for a number of diseases and health concerns. Insulin resistance is a precursor to the metabolic disorder and type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is generally caused by a sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise and poor diet however, specific genes can increase your chances of developing insulin resistance or diabetes. It is important for you to know that other health conditions such as high cholesterol, abdominal obesity and high blood pressure also increase your chances to develop insulin resistance and diabetes.
Metabolic Disorder
According to the American Heart Association, the metabolic disorder is the lead-in disease for type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is a "generalized metabolic disorder" which is why insulin resistance is also known as metabolic syndrome. Again, the main characteristics of this syndrome are high blood pressure and cholesterol, excessive fat around the waist and insulin resistance.
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, along with the American Heart Association, identified abdominal obesity in men as a waist circumference of more than 40 inches and in women a waist circumference of more than 35 inches. Elevated triglycerides and reduced good cholesterol, as well as elevated blood pressure of at least 130/85 are all indicators of the metabolic syndrome diagnosis.
Exercise
Lifestyle changes are the first course of medical action taken by physicians in order to treat insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. Exercise is the main way to reduce abdominal fat, stimulate the metabolism and reduce overall BMI. The Mayo Clinic states losing "as little as 5 to 10 percent body weight can reduce insulin levels and blood pressure, and decrease your risk of diabetes."
The Mayo Clinic, American Heart Association and the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse all recommend walking for 30 minutes a day at least five days a week.
Disclaimer
Always check with your health care provider before beginning any diet or exercise program.
