How To Overcome Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance is reversible (and preventable).
The first and foremost consideration is body mass index (BMI).
If you are overweight for your height and build, you are at risk for a host of illnesses and disease. The very strong correlation between overweight and obesity with insulin resistance and diabetes makes weight loss the most important step in reversing impaired glucose tolerance. We know it’s not easy but it is necessary for good health.
Change your diet.
Cut out added sugars, processed foods, soft drinks, and artificial sweeteners. Add vegetables, herbs, fruits, and chlorella. Reduce the carbohydrates you eat, including starches like bread, pasta, rice, and legumes. Replace with lean animal and/or plant proteins.
Exercise regularly.
Exercise-even in the form of a brisk walk-is good for every part of your body and mind.
“…a large body of evidence supports the role of exercise in improving insulin sensitivity and its beneficial outcomes in insulin resistant states. Epidemiological studies…have reported substantial decreases in the relative risk of type 2 diabetes with lifelong regular physical activity. Large scale randomised controlled clinical trials…demonstrate a 58% reduction in progression of impaired glucose tolerance to type 2 diabetes by intensive lifestyle modification which included a minimum of 20-30 minutes of exercise per day.” (28)
Minimize stress.
Find constructive ways to manage stress. Chronic stress is detrimental to every bodily system. Specifically, high cortisol levels (a stress hormone) are known to contribute to insulin resistance.
Get adequate quality sleep.
Not getting enough sleep wreaks havoc on hormones and is known to cause impaired glucose tolerance, often leading to diabetes.
If you suspect your body may be developing impaired glucose tolerance, your healthcare provider can test your blood sugar levels to find out for sure. Insulin resistance is a better predictor of diabetes and cardiovascular disease than cholesterol. (29) If caught early, the trend is readily reversible without sustaining long-term damage.
There are plenty of things in life that are outside the realm of your control-blood sugar isn’t one of them.