Insulin resistance and diabetes

Blood sugar, insulin and fat are all interrelated factors in the development of diabetes, a potentially dangerous disease.

Insulin, a hormone produced by the body, helps control the level of glucose by sending signals to the liver, muscle and fat cells to draw glucose from the blood and store it to be used as energy when required.

When you regularly eat foods that are high in refined carbohydrates, the surplus carbohydrates that cannot be processed are converted to fatty molecules called triglycerides, which are stored in fat cells.

The most harmful type of fat is visceral fat, which accumulates in the abdominal tissue and around the organs. It can lead to the development of insulin resistance, which is when cells in the body become resistant to the effects of insulin and, as a result, do not absorb glucose properly.

In reaction, the pancreas produces more insulin. If the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin, blood sugar levels begin to rise. A blood sugar level that remains high is a sign of diabetes. Untreated diabetes can lead to heart disease, stroke, nerve damage and damage to the eyes, amongst others.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Anything you can do to improve your body’s sensitivity to insulin will improve your health. This includes getting your weight down to a healthy level (if necessary), cutting down on refined carbohydrates, getting enough sleep, exercising more, and doing all you can to reduce your stress levels.

Foods such as citrus fruit, lentils, beans and broccoli all help to support insulin sensitivity. – Johanita Louw Louw has had a lifelong interest in holistic nutrition. Email her at farmersweekly@ caxton.co.za. Subject line: Holistic health.