It would be difficult for anyone who has access to television, radio, reads newspapers or news on the internet not to have seen the mass of news items related to insulin resistant diabetes and the threat this disease represents to modern health care systems. Whilst the statistics used to describe this potential catastrophe are staggering, there is good news for some sufferers because it is possible to reverse insulin resistance naturally.
Pre-diabetic and sufferers of full blown type two diabetes who have followed specific diets and exercise programs have shown considerable success. Pre-diabetic sufferers were able to rectify sugar levels prior to further interventions being necessary whilst confirmed diabetic patients have, in some cases, stopped their medicinal treatment altogether. Prior to continuing with this, perhaps some explanation around this aspect of our body functioning might be useful.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps body cells absorb sugar, in the form of glucose, from the blood to provide energy. Sugars arise from foods that contain carbohydrates are released as glucose into the blood. The function of insulin, released by the pancreas when we eat, is to help the body maintain a healthy level of glucose in circulation by allowing it to pass into the cells. Consequently blood sugar levels are lowered, and the cells receive the energy required for normal body functions.
Diabetes occurs when blood sugars accumulate in the bloodstream. Put simply this means that cells run out of fuel while dangerously high levels of blood sugar course throughout the body with the potential to cause damage to tissues and organs. In type two diabetics this process is complicated further by being overweight and through lack of exercise.
Mostly the modifications recommended to rectify the situation are quite easy to follow. Doctors and Dietitians are increasingly able and willing to advise appropriate guidelines. A typical outline would involve cutting out starch rich and sugary foods. Processed food is therefore to be eliminated. So potato, cereals, rice, bread, white flour and of course refined sugar itself have to go.
Good quality protein like oily fish from cooler seas that contain Omega 3 fats are definitely in. Mackerel, salmon, shellfish, sardines, small halibut and herring are good examples because the combination of good oils reduces inflammation and works to normalize cholesterol levels. Both these factors are known to contribute towards diabetic conditions.
Low glycemic foods tend to not spike blood sugar levels. These include vegetables such as, nuts, seeds, avocados, and coconut. Try and locate a source of organic meat and eggs and consume moderately. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and cabbage are also very beneficial but root vegetable should be avoided. Eat fruits that raise blood glucose levels slowly, such as apples, bananas, grapes, plums, and peaches.
This advice is really just a brief summary of typical dietary requirements. Internet searches will provide much more detailed recommendations as will consulting your doctor and a dietitian. Vitamins and minerals through supplementation will help correct any identified deficiencies. Always bear in mind that in most cases, through persevering with the correct diet and combined with appropriate weight loss it is feasible to turn this condition around. Remember of course that tricky word exercise. Frequent activity, 3 or more sessions of minimum 30 minute duration will make all the difference.
Pre-diabetic and sufferers of full blown type two diabetes who have followed specific diets and exercise programs have shown considerable success. Pre-diabetic sufferers were able to rectify sugar levels prior to further interventions being necessary whilst confirmed diabetic patients have, in some cases, stopped their medicinal treatment altogether. Prior to continuing with this, perhaps some explanation around this aspect of our body functioning might be useful.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps body cells absorb sugar, in the form of glucose, from the blood to provide energy. Sugars arise from foods that contain carbohydrates are released as glucose into the blood. The function of insulin, released by the pancreas when we eat, is to help the body maintain a healthy level of glucose in circulation by allowing it to pass into the cells. Consequently blood sugar levels are lowered, and the cells receive the energy required for normal body functions.
Diabetes occurs when blood sugars accumulate in the bloodstream. Put simply this means that cells run out of fuel while dangerously high levels of blood sugar course throughout the body with the potential to cause damage to tissues and organs. In type two diabetics this process is complicated further by being overweight and through lack of exercise.
Mostly the modifications recommended to rectify the situation are quite easy to follow. Doctors and Dietitians are increasingly able and willing to advise appropriate guidelines. A typical outline would involve cutting out starch rich and sugary foods. Processed food is therefore to be eliminated. So potato, cereals, rice, bread, white flour and of course refined sugar itself have to go.
Good quality protein like oily fish from cooler seas that contain Omega 3 fats are definitely in. Mackerel, salmon, shellfish, sardines, small halibut and herring are good examples because the combination of good oils reduces inflammation and works to normalize cholesterol levels. Both these factors are known to contribute towards diabetic conditions.
Low glycemic foods tend to not spike blood sugar levels. These include vegetables such as, nuts, seeds, avocados, and coconut. Try and locate a source of organic meat and eggs and consume moderately. Leafy greens like spinach, kale, and cabbage are also very beneficial but root vegetable should be avoided. Eat fruits that raise blood glucose levels slowly, such as apples, bananas, grapes, plums, and peaches.
This advice is really just a brief summary of typical dietary requirements. Internet searches will provide much more detailed recommendations as will consulting your doctor and a dietitian. Vitamins and minerals through supplementation will help correct any identified deficiencies. Always bear in mind that in most cases, through persevering with the correct diet and combined with appropriate weight loss it is feasible to turn this condition around. Remember of course that tricky word exercise. Frequent activity, 3 or more sessions of minimum 30 minute duration will make all the difference.
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