Insulin hormone is perhaps the most important component of the carbohydrate metabolism pathway. There are consequences associated with both its excess and its deficiency. The commoner and more worrying of the two is the deficiency as it causes diabetes, a serious metabolic disorder. Diabetes may also come about when body cells are unable to utilize insulin in spite of normal ranges. This is referred to as resistance. Diabetic patients need to be educated early enough on how to reverse insulin resistance so that they are well prepared for this possibility.

Insulin resistance (or metabolic syndrome) is a condition in which blood glucose levels are raised, the body lipids are deranged and there is central obesity. The main risk factors believed to predispose to the syndrome include physical inactivity, psychological stress, obesity and excessive carbohydrate intake. All these factors contribute to elevated glucose levels. When the sugars are consistently high, insulin receptors are overwhelmed and they start to dysfunction and shut down.

Management involves diet modification, use of supplements, physical exercise and management of psychological stress among other strategies. As regards dietary modification, meals should be constituted in a manner that maintains a low sugar level, reduces oxidative stress and inflammation and enhances liver detoxification. Generally, the foods consumed should be low in carbohydrate load but high in fruit and vegetable amounts.

A number of foods have been established to have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They include those rich in olive oil, omega-3 fats, beans, seeds, soy products and nuts. By working at the level of the gene these foods help improve metabolism, prevent inflammation and step up the detoxification process. They ensure that the rise of glucose happens gradually. Consequently that of insulin is also gradual. In the end, chances of getting resistance are lowered significantly.

Some supplements have also been found to help with the symptoms. Magnesium supplements, for example, helps in fat digestion and increases hormonal sensitivity. The mechanism through which sensitivity is increased remains unknown. Other important nutrients include vitamins B, C, D and E, calcium and chromium.

Stress has been identified as one of the causative agents of diabetes. Its control plays a big role in controlling hormonal resistance. Stress is associated with the release of a hormone known as cortisol. This hormone increases weight gain particularly around the abdominal area, predisposes to inflammatory reactions and raises glucose levels. Yoga, meditation, exercise, hypnosis, massage and guided imagery are examples of techniques that can be used to reduce stress.

Exercise plays an important role in improving insulin sensitivity. It helps redistribute fat and encourages sugar breakdown. As a result it not only prevents diabetes, but also helps reverse and prevent complications. A routine of 30 minutes of walking daily after dinner goes a long way into ensuring that the sugar level is maintained. More intense exercise is needed to cause reverse resistance. Such would entail, for example, uninterrupted aerobic exercise for one hour five to six times in a week.

Drugs should only be instituted as a last resort. They have varied mechanisms of actions but all end up either increasing hormonal sensitivity or lowering the glucose levels. Commonly used anti-diabetic drugs include alpha glucosidase inhibitors, thiazolidinedione drugs and biguanides. Patients who want to have more information on how to reverse insulin resistance should consult with their diabetic specialists.