Insulin resistance is one of the issues and problems we encounter most in this period, when obesity has increased like an epidemic disease in the last 20 years.
What is insulin resistance? It affects all organs and systems in our body. Energy needs are met from glucose, that is, sugar. In order for our tissues to use glucose, a hormone called insulin secreted from the pancreas gland is needed. Insulin allows glucose to pass into the tissues.
In people with excessive carbohydrate consumption (mainly sugary and floury foods, corn, rice and potatoes), inactivity, increased waist circumference and a family history of Type 2 Diabetes, the pancreas produces excessive insulin to use glucose. is forced to. If this process continues and is not prevented, symptoms, complaints and eventually diseases related to insulin resistance begin to appear.
What kind of complaints do patients with insulin resistance have? People with high insulin resistance experience a decrease in the feeling of satiety. You get hungry very quickly. Especially the desire for sweet and carbohydrate foods increases. They wake up feeling hungry at night and find themselves eating something in front of the refrigerator in the kitchen. Some people may experience drowsiness and a feeling of fatigue after meals. In some patients, symptoms such as shaking in the hands, palpitations and sweating may be observed, especially after carbohydrate foods, leading to hypoglycemia, that is, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
The physical finding of insulin resistance, especially an increase in waist and belly circumference, is an important clinical picture. In severe cases, a velvety, dirty skin appearance occurs on the nape of the neck, in the fold areas and in the armpit. This is called “acanthosis nigricans” (Picture 1). Additionally, moles begin to appear on the skin in these areas. Additionally, increased hair growth may be observed in female patients.
What may be the consequences if insulin resistance is not treated? It becomes very difficult for patients with insulin resistance to lose weight over time. As pancreatic fatigue will develop, the high blood sugar disease "Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus" will occur in the future. Additionally, metabolic problems such as high triglycerides and hypertension begin to appear. The consequences are life-threatening conditions such as heart disease. problems are encountered. In fact, this condition is called "Metabolic Syndrome" because many metabolic disorders can occur together as a result of insulin resistance.
Can Insulin Resistance syndrome be reversible? Except for some special familial syndromic conditions, the main problem is obesity. . Some people may have insulin resistance without obesity. If our patients can return to their ideal weight, they can overcome insulin resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to apply all methods to lose weight and reach the ideal weight.
First of all, it is necessary to acquire the principles of healthy nutrition and constantly apply this nutrition. Unfortunately, our society consumes a diet that is very high in carbohydrate content. Products such as flour, corn, rice and potatoes are consumed more than necessary, and we meet 80% of our daily nutritional needs with these products. People with insulin resistance should reduce their carbohydrate-based diet. They should definitely get professional support in terms of healthy nutrition.
Secondly, one of the most effective methods of reducing insulin resistance is to gain regular exercise habits. A regular sports habit that everyone can do should be acquired. Activities such as doing housework or dealing with children cannot be considered sports. Sports should be activities that last 30-45 minutes, at least 4 times a week. These activities should be adjusted according to the person's age and social status. Doing activities such as regular walking, jogging, swimming, cycling is a very effective method of reducing insulin resistance.
Regular sleep is one of the other issues that should be taken into consideration. Night sleep should be between 6-8 hours. Going to bed late and waking up late may lead to disturbances in the body's biological clock and contribute negatively to insulin resistance.
Finally, we have different drug alternatives to reduce insulin resistance. In people with such complaints, the drug treatment administered by the follow-up physician after the test and examination will also make an extra contribution to reducing and reversing insulin resistance.
I wish you healthy days.
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