What Is Insulin Resistance Simple Explanation?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Insulin resistance is when cells in your muscles, fat, and liver don't respond well to insulin and can't easily take up glucose from your blood . As a result, your pancreas makes more insulin to help glucose enter your cells.

What is insulin easy explanation?

Insulin is a hormone that lowers the level of glucose (a type of sugar) in the blood . It's made by the beta cells of the pancreas and released into the blood when the glucose level goes up, such as after eating. Insulin helps glucose enter the body's cells, where it can be used for energy or stored for future use.

How do you explain insulin resistance to a child?

Insulin resistance occurs when the body doesn't respond as well to the insulin that the pancreas is making and glucose is less able to enter the cells. People with insulin resistance may or may not go on to develop type 2 diabetes.

Why is insulin resistance important?

While insulin resistance is harmful to your health, insulin sensitivity is beneficial. Insulin resistance occurs when your cells stop responding to the hormone insulin. This causes higher insulin and blood sugar levels , potentially leading to type 2 diabetes.

What is the most common cause of insulin resistance?

Obesity (being significantly overweight and belly fat), an inactive lifestyle, and a diet high in carbohydrates are the primary causes of insulin resistance.

How do you control a child with insulin resistance?

Treatment. The first approach to IR in children consists of lifestyle interventions, including dietary modifications and increased physical activity . Some studies suggest that exercise may have a major impact on the improvement of insulin sensitivity than the isolated reduction of body mass index (109).

What is the best diet plan for insulin resistance?

  • Fill up on vegetables. ...
  • Focus on fiber-filled whole grains, beans and legumes. ...
  • Choose lean sources of protein. ...
  • Eat modest amounts of fruit. ...
  • Be dairy savvy. ...
  • Select heart-healthy fats.

What body part produces insulin?

Your pancreas makes a hormone called insulin (pronounced: IN-suh-lin). Insulin helps the glucose get into the body's cells. Your body gets the energy it needs.

What triggers insulin release?

When we eat food, glucose is absorbed from our gut into the bloodstream, raising levels. This rise in blood glucose causes insulin to be released from the pancreas so glucose can move inside the cells and be used.

What does insulin do to the body?

The role of insulin in the body

If you don't have diabetes, insulin helps: Regulate blood sugar levels . After you eat, carbohydrates break down into glucose, a sugar that is the body's primary source of energy. Glucose then enters the bloodstream.

What exercise is best for insulin resistance?

Any type of physical activity has the potential to make your insulin work better, and combining aerobic activities — such as brisk walking, swimming, and cycling — with resistance training, or weight training, appears to have the greatest effect.

How do I know if I'm insulin resistant?

  1. A waistline over 40 inches in men and 35 inches in women.
  2. Blood pressure readings of 130/80 or higher.
  3. A fasting glucose level over 100 mg/dL.
  4. A fasting triglyceride level over 150 mg/dL.
  5. A HDL cholesterol level under 40 mg/dL in men and 50 mg/dL in women.
  6. Skin tags.

Can you be insulin resistant and not diabetic?

In people with insulin resistance, the cells are unable to use insulin effectively . When the cells cannot absorb glucose, levels of this sugar build up in the blood. If glucose, or blood sugar, levels are higher than usual but not high enough to indicate diabetes, doctors refer to this as prediabetes.

How can I fix insulin resistance naturally?

  1. Get more sleep. A good night's sleep is important for your health. ...
  2. Exercise more. ...
  3. Reduce stress. ...
  4. Lose a few pounds. ...
  5. Eat more soluble fiber. ...
  6. Add more colorful fruit and vegetables to your diet. ...
  7. Cut down on carbs. ...
  8. Reduce your intake of added sugars.

How long does it take for insulin resistance to reverse?

The sooner you can address your insulin resistance, the sooner you can take steps to reverse it. Research shows that for some people who are newly experiencing insulin resistance, it may take about six weeks to see improvement after making healthy changes.

How do I lose weight with insulin resistance?

  1. Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days of the week. Exercise is one of the fastest and most effective ways to reverse insulin resistance.
  2. Lose weight, especially around the middle. ...
  3. Adopt a high-protein, low-sugar diet.
Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.