Improved insulin sensitivity is a much sought after goal by diabetics. There are medical treatments, such as taking Metformin, that have good results for people who want to optimize their blood sugar levels. But to keep blood sugar in check, you would be wise to not focus on solely one treatment.
Combining natural efforts with medical care may provide a better chance of lowering your insulin dosage and glycemia.
Aerobic Activity and Weight Training
Exercise has been known to improve insulin sensitivity in diabetics for years. These effects even occur within a week of starting those workouts without you having to lose any weight. Both moderate aerobic activity that gets the heart pumping and weight training that helps build muscle have been shown to impact sensitivity. Aerobic activity protects against cardiovascular disease, which diabetics are at increased risk of developing as they age.
A Diet Rich In Antioxidants and High-Fiber Foods
Adjusting your diet to cut out sugars helps immediately by reducing your blood sugar levels, but you can also eat certain foods that are beneficial to your insulin sensitivity. High-fiber foods and protein take time to digest, allowing a slower rise in blood sugar levels. Over time, this gives your pancreas a break so that it responds better to the body’s need and doesn’t have to work as hard to produce a large amount of insulin at once.
Antioxidant-rich foods, such as green tea and berries, help support the pancreas and other vital organs by capturing free radicals that damage cells. They also act as an anti-inflammatory agent, which further decreases insulin resistance.
De-Stress Your Life
Stress causes the body to release cortisol, which is associated with the inflammatory response. When the body cells are exposed to too much cortisol, they can become resistant to this hormone. Cortisol resistance, or fatigue, can make it difficult for the body to control inflammation, a condition that further damages the pancreas and the body’s cells. Take steps to de-stress your life, such as practicing meditation or trying to get a full 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night.
[expand title=”References“]
Healthline. URL Link. Accessed April 6, 2017.
Diabetes Self-Management. URL Link. Accessed April 6, 2017.
How Stress Influences Disease: Study Reveals Inflammation As the Culprit. URL Link. Accessed April 6, 2017.
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