Why insulin is crucial to your well-being.
Insulin is a hormone that is created in the pancreas.
As well as aiding in the metabolism of fats and protein, it promotes the absorption of carbohydrates – particularly glucose – from the blood.
Whilst glucose is essential for cell development and energy, insulin is needed for it to be absorbed by the cells.
If your body produces insufficient insulin, you may develop high blood sugar levels or Hyperglycaemia.
Hyperglycaemia can be the cause of long-term problems such as diabetes.
Type 1 diabetes can occur when the pancreas fails to produce any insulin at all. If you suffer from this type of diabetes, you will need to inject insulin to allow your body to process glucose.
Type 2 diabetes, however, occurs when your body either doesn’t produce enough insulin, or you become resistant to it.
This form of diabetes can often be treated with a diet and exercise regime. However, since it is a progressive condition, if it isn’t treated it can progress to the stage where insulin injections are required and much bigger problems.
Insulin resistance isn’t just a precursor to diabetes, it can also lead to other complications such as heart disease and stroke.
It doesn’t have noticeable symptoms which means you may well be unaware that you have a problem.
There are indicators – such as consistent high blood pressure, high triglyceride levels and obesity – that suggest you may be insulin resistant, though.
Managing glucose and insulin levels are an important part of preventing life-changing conditions.
This can be accomplished simply by being aware of the foods you eat and how much exercise you get.
Additionally, if you think you may be at risk, seeing your physician as soon as possible will be a major step in the right direction.
Whilst your physician can take a blood test to see if you have insulin resistance, you can still make simple changes whilst you wait for the results.
Eating a low carb/high fibre diet will help reduce blood sugar levels and regular exercise will help your muscles become less resistant to insulin and so absorb more glucose,
Making these simple lifestyle changes can be instrumental in preventing diseases that can adversely affect you for the rest of your life.
Visit your physician to get more advice and to find out if you are at risk from insulin-related problems.