When your body is unable to use insulin efficiently, you may be suffering from insulin resistance. Cells contain insulin receptors, or locks, that require insulin to unlock them to allow glucose to enter. If cells develop a tolerance to insulin, some receptors begin to malfunction, and insulin cannot open them. If glucose cannot enter the cell, this may lead to diabetes and a battle with weight.
The Role of Insulin
The pancreas produces the hormone insulin in its beta cells. When glucose becomes present in your bloodstream after you eat, the pancreas is stimulated to produce insulin. Insulin in turn stimulates the cells to allow the glucose to cross the cell membrane, where the glucose will be used for energy metabolism. If the cells are unable to accept the glucose due to insulin resistance, it remains in the bloodstream.
Weight Loss and Insulin Resistance
The glucose that cannot enter the cells needs somewhere to go. Another function of insulin is to store the glucose in fat cells. This fat storage occurs mainly around your waistline. Abdominal obesity may be one of the symptoms of insulin resistance. The irony is, abdominal obesity does not necessarily mean you are insulin resistant. Because there is still glucose in the blood, the pancreas is still making insulin. Needing to be used up, insulin may increase hunger. This cycle may make losing weight -- and keeping it off -- very challenging.
Chromium and Insulin Resistance
The mineral chromium comes in two forms: the industrial kind, used in manufacturing processes, and the nutritional kind, an essential micronutrient for your body. Chromium is needed to sensitize the cells to boost insulin's ability to bring glucose into the cells. Chromium supplements may help improve the cells' sensitivity to insulin. It's possible that up to 90 percent of Americans are low in chromium, states the University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC. It notes that using chromium supplements may help with developing more lean muscle mass and decreasing fat. Always consult your doctor before starting any new treatment.
Metformin
Metformin is an anti-diabetic medication prescribed for insulin resistance. Metformin stimulates a protein compound that regulates various metabolic processes. This protein compound stimulates enzymes in the liver and encourages the metabolism of fat. This helps decrease fat accumulation around the waistline and encourages weight loss. Metformin is by prescription only. Exercise is also a consideration when dealing with insulin resistance and weight loss. Exercise promotes glucose uptake from the blood to the cells, and encourages energy expenditure.
References
- American Diabetes Association: Diabetes Basics
- Cedar-Sinai: Obesity and Insulin Resistance
- "The Journal of Clinical Investigation"; Obesity and Insulin Resistance; Barbara B. Kahn, et al.; Aug.2000
- Weill Cornell Medical College: Insulin-Regulated Movement of GLUT4
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Chromium
- University of Washington: Insulin Resistance
