The Not So Sweet Insulin Resistance
ALLERGIES & SPECIAL DIETS, DISEASE PREVENTION & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE / WRITTEN BY DR JULIE DURNAN, BSC, ND
When most people think of the type of foods that can cause high cholesterol, heart disease and obesity, they often think of one word: fat. However, current research shows that the types of foods most likely to contribute to the epidemic of obesity, and its related conditions, are actually the sweet ones: sugar and refined carbohydrates.
The Unwell Cell
Insulin helps transfer glucose, a type of sugar, into the cells for energy production. Insulin resistance (also called Metabolic Syndrome or Syndrome X) is when the body’s cells no longer respond to insulin as they should. The late stage of this disease is type 2 diabetes. The trouble is, cell damage starts long before diabetes shows up. The good news is that with some help, this condition can be corrected.
Watch for Signs
Hypoglycemia, high blood pressure, cholesterol problems and abdominal weight gain are all signs of insulin resistance. Other signs include elevated insulin, high triglycerides, low HDL (on blood test); increased inflammation, excess blood clotting; susceptibility to heart disease and stroke; and a history of gestational diabetes. A few symptoms that also may arise as a result of insulin resistance are the inability to lose weight, fatigue and low blood sugar before meals, leading to mood swings, shakiness, nervousness, dizziness, irritability or confusion.
Diet and Exercise
With a change in diet and lifestyle, insulin resistance is reversible. For some it will only take a few small adjustments. For others, a greater effort may be required. Depending on the level of health and the quality of the current diet, often a diet low in refined carbohydrates is the first line of therapy. Doctors will even advise a complete avoidance of grains for select individuals. In addition, food sources of omega 3 (usually from fish) and GLA (gamma linolenic acid, such as borage oil or black currant seed oil) are recommended. Finally—thirty minutes of a cardiovascular workout, five times per week is a minimum requirement.
Treatment Considerations
While changing the diet and exercising are most important, some will also need a higher dose of a few herbs and nutrients to jumpstart their metabolism, reversing insulin resistance. Many herbal treatment options exist that have plenty of excellent research to support their use. Primary health care providers will be able to offer information on any of the following botanical medicines:
- Gymnema sylvestre (gymnema) reduces the body’s insulin requirements and fasting blood glucose. It may also help regenerate the beta cells of the pancreas that secrete insulin.
- Coleus forskohlii (coleus) reduces body fat, lowers blood pressure, increases thyroid function and relaxes blood vessels.
- Trigonella Foenum-graecum (fenugreek) reduces fasting blood sugar and improves sensitivity to insulin and also reduces cholesterol and triglycerides.
Keeping insulin levels in check will help to prevent many chronic illnesses, not only type 2 diabetes, and may actually increase lifespan. Naturopathic physicians can offer valuable advice on whether or not sugar may be causing issues and can recommed preventive programs that will contribute to optimal wellness.
Dr. Julie Durnan is a naturopathic physician with a family practice in North Vancouver at Restoration Health Clinic. She believes in a proactive approach to health care, educates her patients about the underlying causes of illness and creates individualized treatment plans for maintaining optimal health.
