Are Insulin Resistance and Diabetes the same thing

Insulin resistance can lead to diabetes and people with diabetes have Insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance and diabetes have been closely related to each other which involves problems with the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar levels. But have you ever wondered about the correlation between diabetes and Insulin resistance?

Let’s find out the answer here.

The major difference between insulin resistance and diabetes is that insulin resistance refers to a condition in which cells become less responsive to the effects of insulin while diabetes is a metabolic disorder that occurs because of high blood sugar levels.

What is Insulin?

Insulin is a peptide hormone which is made by pancreas and helps glucose to enter in your blood cells which is stored in the body as energy. So, when you eat food, it breaks down into blood sugar which later enters into the bloodstream.and signals the pancreas to release insulin. 

What is Insulin Resistance?

Insulin resistance increases the risk of developing diabetes along with overweight issues, high blood pressure and major depression disorder. It is believed that you can be insulin resistant without even knowing it. Hence, it is important to check your blood sugar levels regularly with a doctor.

How Insulin Resistant is Different from Diabetes?

Diabetes is a medical condition characterized by abnormally high levels of blood sugar. It arises when cells in the body become resistant to the effects of Insulin or when pancreatic cells fail to secrete sufficient insulin. Insulin resistance refers to the state where cells do not adequately respond to insulin’s actions. 

Diabetes can impact individuals of all age groups, ranging from childhood to adulthood. However, insulin resistance is commonly observed in adults aged 45 and above.

 

How to Know if you have Insulin Resistance?

Diagnosing insulin resistance involves considering various factors rather than relying on a single blood test. These factors include:

 

Blood Glucose Levels Monitoring blood glucose levels is an important aspect of assessing insulin resistance.

 

Cholesterol Levels Evaluating cholesterol levels helps assess the risk and impact of insulin resistance on overall health.

Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination helps identify certain visible signs that may indicate insulin resistance.

Symptoms of Insulin Resistance may include:

• Skin around the armpits gets dark
• Skin around the side and back of the neck gets dark

It is important to note that if left unmanaged, insulin resistance can lead to diabetes and other metabolic complications. These complications may include:

•  Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
  
•  Elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels
  
•  High blood pressure
  
•  Heart disease
  

Proactive management of insulin resistance is crucial in preventing the progression to diabetes and other complications. Regular medical monitoring and adopting a healthy lifestyle are key components of managing insulin resistance effectively.

 

 

Who is More Likely to Have Insulin Resistance?

 Insulin resistance can manifest in individuals with a genetic predisposition to diabetes. Furthermore, the modern lifestyle and dietary changes contribute to its growing prevalence. Disturbingly, even younger individuals are being diagnosed with this condition at an increasing rate. Consequently it becomes crucial to be vigilant about certain factors that can aid in preventing its onset. 

Here are few risk factors which should be addressed:

Family History: Having a parent, brother, or sister with diabetes elevates the risk. 

 

Weight Issues: Being overweight or obese raises the risk significantly.

 

Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity and leading a sedentary life can increase the risk.

 

Health Conditions: Having conditions like high blood pressure and abnormal cholesterol levels increases the likelihood.

 

Gestational Diabetes: A history of gestational diabetes can heighten the likelihood of developing insulin resistance and prediabetes.

 

Age 45 or Older: Being 45 years or older raises the susceptibility.

 

Diet: Consuming a diet rich in processed foods can contribute to insulin resistance and prediabetes.

 

Read More: Are you Looking for Home Remedies to Cure Diabetes?

Ethnicity: Certain ethnic backgrounds, such as African-American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander American, are more prone to insulin resistance or prediabetes.

 

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome PCOS: PCOS is linked to insulin resistance and raises the risk. 

 

 Obstructive Sleep Apnea: This sleep disorder is associated with an increased risk of insulin resistance and prediabetes.

 

Although certain risk factors such as family history, age, or ethnicity are beyond our control and cannot be changed, there are lifestyle risk factors that can be modified. These factors pertain to our eating habits, physical activity levels, and weight management. By making positive changes in these areas, we can significantly influence our overall health and reduce the likelihood of developing certain conditions or diseases. Making lifestyle changes in these areas can reduce the chances of developing insulin resistance or prediabetes.

 

It is recommended to discuss these factors with your doctor which will enable appropriate screening and monitoring to address any potential risks or early signs of insulin resistance and prediabetes.

 

 

How to Treat Insulin Resistance and Diabetes Naturally?

Managing insulin resistance and diabetes is easy if done naturally and there are several natural ways for reducing the risk of insulin resistance and diabetes:

Physical Activity: Aim to exercise or indulge in any physical activity for at least half an hour daily. Include a combination of light aerobic activities and strength training exercises.

 

Achieve Weight Loss: Even a modest weight reduction can significantly lower your risk of diabetes. Work towards achieving a healthy weight through a balanced diet.

 

Adopt a Healthy Eating Plan: Decrease the consumption of processed foods, high-sugar items, and carbohydrates.

 

Prioritize Sufficient Sleep: Ensure you get an enough amount of sleep every night. Good quality sleep plays a crucial role in maintaining overall health and managing insulin resistance.

 

Quit Smoking:If you smoke, take steps to quit. Smoking worsens insulin resistance and increases the risk of various health complications.

 

Manage Sleep Disorder:Proper treatment of sleep disorder can contribute to improved insulin sensitivity.

 

By incorporating these lifestyle changes, you can effectively reduce your risk of developing insulin resistance and reverse diabetes. 

 

Wrap Up

 

Diabetes is a medical condition characterized by elevated blood glucose levels. Insulin resistance, on the other hand, is a state in which the body’s cells struggle to absorb glucose from the bloodstream effectively. If left untreated, insulin resistance can progress to type 2 diabetes. This form of diabetes is associated with numerous severe complications. 

Yet, there are natural ways to treat diabetes with simple lifestyle changes, dietary choices and ayurvedic treatments. Checkout Goodveda’s Diabetes Reversal Program.

 

FAQs

 

What are the symptoms of Insulin Resistance?

Insulin resistance typically does not exhibit symptoms until it progresses to high blood sugar levels which can give rise to the following:

 

• Absence of Menstruation in Women
• Lethargy
• Brain Fog/Memory Issues
• Hunger
• Frequent Urination
• Extreme Thirst
• Blurred Vision
• Slow-healing Cuts and Sores

 

Can you be insulin resistant and still have normal blood sugar levels?

Individuals who have insulin resistance can often exhibit normal fasting blood glucose levels as well as normal blood sugar levels after meals. They may even appear to pass an oral glucose tolerance test OGTT. 

 

However during an oral glucose tolerance test, individuals with insulin resistance will need to overproduce insulin in order to maintain normal glucose levels. This excessive production of insulin leads to a condition called ‘hyperinsulinemia’, where insulin levels in the body are elevated.

 

Can I take any supplements to reverse insulin resistance?

Several supplements have shown potential in improving insulin resistance based on various studies. Chromium, Berberine, Magnesium, and Resveratrol are among the supplements that have demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing the function of insulin receptors, lowering blood sugar levels, and increasing insulin sensitivity. These supplements are naturally found in plants and plant products. As a result, it is advisable to take them in moderate quantities to harness their benefits.