Insulin Resistance Syndrome

For the breakdown of sugar molecules in the food and to convert them into simple glucose, so that they can be easily assimilated in the body, insulin is essential. Insulin is a hormone that is secreted by the islets of Langerhans in the pancreas. This chemical component is required for the metabolism of glucose molecules. The glucose is then transported to the cells and muscles through blood circulation. However, sometimes the cells may not accept glucose, making them resistant to insulin. This can lead to insulin resistance syndrome, which is actually a cluster of several health disorders that may end up in either diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

What is Insulin Resistance Syndrome?

Also referred to as metabolic syndrome is actually a broad term which is used to define a number of health disorders. Insulin resistance may occur when the body rejects the insulin produced and fails to use it, though secreted by the pancreas in sufficient amount. Since the glucose does not get metabolized, it tends to get accumulated in the bloodstream, without entering the cells. Due to the accumulation of glucose in the blood, the pancreas secrete more insulin, in order to bring down the blood sugar level. The end result of this is a rise in both the levels of glucose and insulin in the blood, leading to type 2 diabetes. Although the exact cause of this syndrome is still unknown, probabilities are that it is caused if a person is overweight.

The risk factors of this health disorder are high levels of triglycerides and LDL (or bad cholesterol), hypertension, deposition of fat around the abdominal region which may lead to excess weight gain, high blood glucose, reduced levels of good cholesterol (or HDL) etc. All these factors may increase the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disorders, stroke and diabetes. A few of the symptoms of insulin resistance and the physical signs are given below, observing which treatment can be administered to prevent them from becoming intense. Sometimes the signs may be so mild, that they often go unnoticed by the individual.

• Being overweight, due to accumulation of fat.
• Feeling drowsy, especially after eating a meal loaded with carbohydrates.
• Fatigue, both physical and mental, due to depletion of energy, is also a common complaint in individuals suffering from metabolic syndrome. This condition is also characterized by loss of memory, disinterest in activities and poor performance etc.
• A pronounced symptom of this disorder is depression and severe mood swings. The individual may also appear to be irritable due to the effect of carbohydrates on the brain.
• Other side effects may include discoloration of the skin, high blood pressure, increased levels of cholesterol, excess hunger, especially after eating sugary foods etc.

These symptoms should be recognized and treatment should be administered to prevent the onset of complications. Since the body fails to handle this condition, some episodes of hypoglycemia (or low blood sugar) may also be noticed. Along with medications, a proper diet will help control this disorder and the person can live a near normal life.

Insulin Resistance Diet

In case you are a victim of insulin resistance syndrome, then you are required to follow a proper insulin resistance diet which will help keep this condition under control. Dietitians and health care providers recommend the inclusion of natural foods in the diet, that will help reduce the chances of acquiring this health disorder, in a remarkable manner. The foods included in this diet program are similar to that of diabetes diet.

• Fresh fruits and non starchy vegetables
• Foods rich in omega 3 essential fatty acids
• Fish, chicken, turkey, lean meat
• Legumes and soy products

You must also be aware of the foods that should be avoided in this condition, or else it may aggravate the syndrome. Here is a list of foods that should not be included in the diet, but an occasional inclusion is allowed.

• Whole grains like barley and brown rice
• Breads, corn and pasta
• Canned and fried foods
• Starchy foods like potatoes, parsnips, pumpkin
• Foods containing artificial sweeteners, candy, honey, fruit juices, table sugar, carbonated beverages, etc.

Modifying the lifestyle can help prevent or at least reduce the severity of this disorder. Following a weight loss and exercise regimen is known to reverse this metabolic disorder. Awareness regarding the health risks of this condition will prove to be productive in avoiding this condition, which can prove to be life-threatening in some cases, if timely treatment is not administered. Stay healthy!