Diet For Insulin Resistance

The most effective insulin resistance treatment is a balanced diet, exercise and weight loss for one in three Americans who suffer with the condition. Symptoms are relatively silent for most people and the health problem may not be apparent until a person is diagnosed with type II diabetes. The only other subtle signs are undue tiredness after eating or at other times during the day, slowly rising blood pressure, elevated cholesterol levels and for some, dark patches of skin that occur around the neck, knees and elbows. Many people go undiagnosed unless they regularly have checkups that require one of two typical tests for blood sugar levels. Tests can indicate whether a person is pre-diabetic or diabetic which is related to insulin resistance. Those who are overweight before the age of 40 should undergo early testing. According to test results, a physician can determine the best way to address the problem which usually includes a specific diet for insulin resistance.

Pancreas manufacture insulin which is then introduced to the cells for energy production and storage. Those who require an insulin resistance treatment plan have cells that resist the manufactured insulin. In an attempt to maintain the necessary blood sugar levels in the body, the pancreas continues to manufacture more insulin than is needed which causes an imbalance in blood glucose levels. Even though the problem can become serious and cause fatal health problems, it is almost entirely treatable with proper health management. Unfortunately, many patients who present with the condition struggle with obesity which is related to the problem. After weight loss, many patients see a significant improvement in blood sugar levels, high blood pressure and cholesterol levels. In fact, some people with type II diabetes have experienced complete recovery from the condition by adhering to a diet for insulin resistance.

There are many diets that a person can follow in an attempt to lose excess pounds and to promote better personal health. Low fat, low calorie weight loss plans are some of the most popular for those who wish to lose weight fairly quickly. Obese patients who lose weight will dramatically reduce their chances of developing diabetes by almost 50% after weight loss whether they are insulin resistant or not. Therefore, implementing a diet for insulin resistance can be helpful to overcome impending health problems as proven by many statistical studies. Studies have shown that people who eat a low fat, low calorie food plan along with a consistent exercise program better their chances for good health over their lifetime. Choosing a daily, low fat food plan offers the benefits of weight loss and a balance of the body's glucose metabolism. Even before losing weight, a low fat meal plan can begin to level blood sugar within days.

Patients who also lose approximately 16% of their body weight will see a phenomenal 100% improvement in blood glucose metabolism. It is no wonder that physicians consistently advise that the best insulin resistance treatment protocol revolves around a proper diet. Low fat diets have generally been considered as the best way to lose excess weight and to achieve a blood sugar balance. Some patients, however, do not achieve better health through low fat, high carbohydrate diets. Women in particular, may need an alternative diet for insulin resistance that includes a lower carb food plan for their special needs. In any case, some guidelines for developing a good eating plan include staying away from processed foods and eating only lean meats. The addition of leafy greens, vegetables, fruits and whole grains to an eating plan is also very beneficial for weight loss as well as metabolic balance.

A health professional may also suggest eating approximately 5 times a day in order to keep the blood sugar balanced. Three regular meals with two snacks in between is a good rule of thumb for a daily schedule. Some health experts suggest that excluding white flours, pastas and sugars completely from a food plan is very important. Approximately 13-15 grams of carbohydrates per meal is recommended for those on a diet for insulin resistance. Twice-a-day snacks should also be no more than 6 or 7 grams of carbohydrates each. There are essential fats that are healthy to ingest such as those found in salmon, eggs, avocados and flax seed oil. Healthy fats can help to elevate 'good' (HDL) cholesterol levels in the blood. "I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye." (Psalm 32:8)

Supplements are also beneficial to the body's function as well as providing extra nutritional support. Adding vitamin A, C, and E can help stimulate good immune function as well as additional support to arteries. Some health professionals will add their recommendations for a supplement program along with a diet plan for patients. Following an insulin resistance treatment protocol that includes an appropriate diet and exercise is critical for those who want to avoid illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease. Check with a doctor for further information about testing and treatments that are available.

Gestational Diabetes Diet

Gestational diabetes symptoms are practically nonexistent, but may show up as excessive thirst or increased urination. Since increased urination usually occurs in normal pregnancies, that isn't generally a cause for alarm. Gestational diabetes is usually found during routine blood tests conducted on women during the latter part of their pregnancy, and can have an effect on both the mother and the baby. Women with no previous history of diabetes, but who have high blood sugar (glucose) levels during pregnancy are said to have gestational diabetes. In the United States alone, about 4% of all pregnant women have this disorder. This problem starts when the mother's isn't able to make and use all of the insulin needed for her pregnancy. Without insulin, glucose is trapped in the blood where it cannot be changed to energy. This condition allows glucose to build up in high levels.

The cause of this illness is unknown, but how it works is known. The hormones in the placenta which help the baby develop also work to block the action of the mother's insulin in her body, so she may need up to three times as much insulin. Controlling blood sugar is essential to keeping a baby healthy and avoiding complications during delivery. Most women benefit from a gestational diabetes diet and exercise, but some may need medication along with lifestyle changes. Either way, monitoring blood sugar is key to the treatment program for expectant mothers because it tells whether or not a patient's blood sugar is staying within normal range.

Aggressive treatment of all women suffering from gestational diabetes symptoms is recommended, according to recent data. Aggressive treatment includes dietary advice, frequent blood glucose monitoring, and insulin injections for elevated blood glucose levels. Another goal of aggressive treatment is to maintain tight control of blood glucose. Those women who receive aggressive treatment develop significantly fewer childbirth problems than women who receive routine care. A gestational diabetes diet, along with the other aggressive treatments, effectively reduced the problems caused by having unusually large babies, as women with this problem often do. In addition, women receiving aggressive treatment report lower rates of depression and a higher quality of life three months after giving birth. The reason for these benefits is not known.

Frequent blood glucose monitoring is essential during this time, but even more important is the gestational diabetes diet. Eating the right kind and amount of food is one of the best ways to control blood sugar levels. In general, more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are important to relieving gestational diabetes symptoms. Fewer animal products and sweets are required as well. A dietician or counselor can help these women to put together an individual meal plan based on glucose level, height, weight, exercise habits, and food preferences.

Regular exercise is helpful not only to relieve gestational diabetes symptoms, but to prevent other discomforts of pregnancy such as back pain, muscle cramps, swelling, constipation, and difficulty sleeping. Exercise can also help prepare a mother-to-be for labor and delivery. The increased muscle strength and endurance that she develops will reduce stress on the ligaments and joints during delivery. Peace of mind is an important part of our overall health, and a Christian's trust in God is the source. "Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God." (Psalm 42:11)

Obstetricians recommend close monitoring of the baby's growth--usually by using ultrasound. Although ultrasound can give a good idea of the baby's size, it tends to be less accurate as the baby gets bigger. A gestational diabetes diet will provide necessary nutrients for both mother and child without making the baby grow too much. In most cases, the obstetrician will try to prevent the pregnancy from going longer than 40 weeks because being overdue may increase the risk of complications. Although most women with this illness deliver happy, healthy babies, labor with gestational diabetes isn't routine, and Cesarean delivery is necessary in some cases. However, gestational diabetes doesn't affect a woman's ability to breast-feed or care for her new baby.

In those instances where gestational diabetes diet and exercise are not enough to get blood levels back to normal, and daily medications are prescribed. Insulin can be used, but it is no longer the only option in treating this illness. The oral anti-diabetes drug, glyburide, may also be safe and effective. Doctors in Europe use metformin to treat the problem, and this medication is being studied in the United States.

If medications are used, the obstetrician may also recommend a non stress test (NST) or biophysical profile to make sure the infant is taking in enough oxygen and nourishment, especially as the mother approaches her due date. This is a simple procedure that checks how often a baby moves and how much his or her heart rate increases with movement. If the gestational diabetes symptoms in the mother are under control, these responses by the baby will be normal.

Copyright© 2017 ChristiaNet®. All Rights Reserved.