Sure, insulin resistance is a key feature in the development of type 2 diabetes. It typically develops over time due to a combination of genetic and lifestyle factors. Here’s an overview of how insulin resistance occurs in the body:
- Insulin and Glucose Metabolism:
Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells in the pancreas. It plays a crucial role in glucose metabolism by allowing glucose (sugar) in the bloodstream to enter the body’s cells, where it is used for energy. When the body’s cells require energy, the pancreas releases insulin to help transport glucose from the blood into the cells. - Development of Insulin Resistance:
Over time, cells in muscles, fat, and the liver can start to respond poorly to insulin. They become less sensitive or “resistant” to the action of insulin, meaning more insulin is required for glucose to enter the cells. This sensitivity can be due to various factors, including excess weight, especially around the abdomen, sedentary lifestyle, genetic predisposition, and sometimes even hormonal changes. - Compensatory Increase in Insulin Production:
Initially, the pancreas compensates for insulin resistance by producing more insulin. This helps maintain normal glucose levels despite the resistance. - Hyperinsulinemia:
The chronic demand for increased insulin leads to hyperinsulinemia or elevated levels of insulin in the blood. High insulin levels may help control blood sugar levels initially, but over time can cause other health issues, such as an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Also over time our constant consumption of foods all through the day promotes a consistent high level of insulin in the blood, there in lies the root cause of insulin resistance. In the morning breakfast is eaten by about 8:00am and before the body can completely process breakfast it is time for lunch followed by dinner. On top of those three(3) meals snacks, snacks, and more snacks. - Beta Cell Fatigue:
Eventually, the beta cells can become impaired and lose the ability to produce enough insulin due to the constant demand. This is sometimes called beta cell “fatigue” or “burnout.” When we consume a meal insulin is secreted. If in a day we consume 3-5 separate food items – there in lies the beta cell burn out. - Elevation of Blood Sugar Levels:
Once the pancreas can no longer keep up with the body’s increased need for insulin, the blood sugar levels start to rise over the threshold for prediabetes and eventually progress to type 2 diabetes if the condition is not addressed. - Inflammatory and Cellular Pathways:
Research suggests that insulin resistance is also affected by pathways associated with inflammation and certain cellular dysfunction. Inflammatory cytokines and fatty acids in the bloodstream can alter insulin signaling pathways and contribute to insulin resistance. - Lifestyle Factors:
Diet and exercise play significant roles in the development and management of insulin resistance. Diets high in refined sugars and sedentary lifestyles can exacerbate insulin resistance. On the other hand, regular exercise, weight loss, and dietary changes utilizing more leafy greens can increase insulin sensitivity. Must include more non eating times during the day.
Managing insulin resistance often involves lifestyle interventions, including increase more leafy green in diet, increased physical activity, weight loss, and sometimes medications which should be the last step to take. These changes can make cells more sensitive to insulin, reduce glucose levels in the blood, and overall help manage or even prevent the progression of type 2 diabetes.
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