Insulin resistance is the cause of the majority of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease in this country. When the body becomes less sensitive to its own insulin, it compensates by actually making more and more insulin. This is called insulin resistance, and describes the inability of cells to respond efficiently to insulin secretion. When blood sugar levels rise, insulin’s job is to alert cells to “open their doors” and allow glucose inside for energy production or energy storage. When blood sugar levels are elevated, more insulin production is required to keep the blood sugar in good control. If the cells don’t respond when insulin “knocks”, and the “doors” stay shut, the body responds by producing even more insulin, and over time, it creates way too much. (hyperinsulinemia)
Insulin resistance is typically the result of poor lifestyles choices. When you combine a high glycemic diet with physical inactivity, you slowly become less and less responsive to your own insulin, and over time develop insulin resistance. Factors that worsen insulin resistance include high glycemic foods, lack of physical activity, and obesity. Insulin resistance promotes additional weight gain, creating a vicious cycle, which in turn promotes more insulin resistance. Unless insulin resistance is corrected, permanent weight loss is extremely difficult. This can be improved by making new healthier lifestyle choices. A consistent moderate exercise program and low glycemic nutrition will increase insulin sensitivity, and reduce insulin resistance.
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