How To Treat Insulin Resistance

One out of three Americans will develop insulin resistance, a prediabetic condition that decreases the body’s ability to utilize the hormone insulin, resulting in chronically elevated blood sugars. Insulin resistance can occur as a result of genetic factors, unhealthy lifestyle choices, or both. Most individuals who develop insulin resistance, sometimes referred to as impaired glucose tolerance or metabolic syndrome, will eventually develop diabetes. Diabetes is a serious condition and can cause significant damage to the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys over time.

It’s important to get a handle on insulin resistance as soon as it is diagnosed. With proper treatment, insulin resistance can be managed and even eliminated before it has the chance to do real damage. In the following slides, we will examine the most effective ways to treat this metabolic disorder.

Medications

Most medications used for the treatment of diabetes are not appropriate for prediabetes. However, if a patient's case is more severe, their doctor may use metformin to help the liver slow the output of glucose that results from insulin resistance. In most cases, however, the types of medication recommended are used to mitigate the secondary conditions that often accompany insulin resistance, such as hypertension and high cholesterol.

There are natural supplements that have shown some efficacy for treating these types of conditions as well. Fish oil, garlic, and CoQ-10 can be beneficial in balancing cholesterol levels and promoting cardiovascular health. Cinnamon and cayenne are known to lower blood sugar levels. Probiotics have demonstrated benefits that go well beyond the gut and can assist with metabolism and weight loss efforts. Patients should always check in with their doctor before incorporating any supplemental medications into their regimen.

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