Insulin resistance: what it is, causes and symptoms

The insulin resistance It has become a pathology of the most common for a couple of decades. It is characterized by the inability of our body to synthesize the insulin that produces the pancreas through its beta cells. Remember that this component is responsible for controlling blood glucose levels.

It is also responsible for taking glucose all our muscles and joints as it is one of the most basic forms of energy produced by our body.

If the person in question has a clear resistance to insulin, it is irremediable that it stops doing its main function throughout the entire liver and fatty tissues.

As a result, what is known as "hyperinsulinism" occurs, a condition that as its name suggests is characterized by the overproduction of insulin, something that is translated later into other more serious diseases such as obesity, diabetes or dyslipidemia.

 Causes of insulin resistance

There is no clear cause that is directly related to this pathology. Although there are a number of risk factors that must be taken into account and we will report from these lines:

  • More common in women with menopause. Although it is also possible that it appears in men, it is those menopausal women who are more likely to suffer from insulin resistance due to the decrease of estrogen in their body.
  • Diet rich in sugars and saturated fats. Numerous nutritional studies have linked insulin resistance to poor diet. On the opposite side, it has been shown that the Mediterranean diet could even prevent symptoms.
  • Sedentary life. A sedentary life can also be translated later into other serious diseases such as obesity, a disease that is also closely related to insulin resistance.
  • Genetic anomalies. It is possible that there are some genetic anomalies in the pancreas that cause a malfunction of this organ.

Now that we have known the causes of insulin resistance, let's talk about the symptoms that could be behind this problem.

Symptoms of insulin resistance or insulin resistance

First, because this source of energy is not able to bequeath to the tissues of the body, as this causes the person in question suffer from a generalized fatigue.

Likewise, a considerable weight gain may indicate that insulin resistance is occurring. Finally, it should also be noted that the increase in the need to drink also known in the medical field as "polydipsia" may mean that blood glucose levels are somewhat higher than the average.

What treatment can stop insulin resistance?

Just when we begin to suffer the first symptoms of insulin resistance, the best thing to do is go to the family doctor to give us a very specific treatment. Although in the meantime, you can do the following:

  • Healthy and balanced diet. A healthy diet rich in all kinds of nutrients will help markedly to insulin resistance. Among all of them, it is worth mentioning olive oil, a substance with antioxidant agents that can also prevent other conditions such as diabetes.
  • Exercise and daily sport. A constant daily physical activity will also prevent the person from suffering from insulin resistance and therefore other more serious conditions such as obesity.
  • Very specific drugs. As the metformin, glitazones, exenatide and liraglutide. Although to eat them, it is best to contact a specialized doctor.
This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor.

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