Insulin Resistance ( triglycerides & low HDL cholesterol)

[Guest guest]

Insulin Resistance (high triglycerides and low HDL cholesterol)

 

 

 

Insulin resistance is now being recognized as an important and

commoncondition associated with heart disease, as well as diabetes

andhighblood pressure. It affects an estimated 25-to-30% of the non-

diabeticpopulation. It is primarily characterized by high

triglyceride and low

HDL cholesterol levels, although high total cholesterol may also be

seen. Genetic factors play a significant role, but diet and

lifestylechanges can make a significant difference.

 

A little background: Insulin is a hormone that facilitates the

transport of glucose from the blood into cells where it is used as

fuel.

 

When blood sugar rises after a meal, the pancreas secretes insulin

into the bloodstream.

 

With insulin resistance, the normal amount of insulin

secreted is not enough to move glucose into the cells – thus the

cells are " resistant " to the action of insulin.

To compensate, the pancreas secretes even more insulin in order to

maintain fairly normal blood

sugar movement into cells and a normal blood sugar level.

 

The resulting high levels of insulin, however, have several negative

effects -- on the enzymes in the liver that produce cholesterol,

and on the kidney leading to high blood pressure, as well as on the

enzymes in cells that regulate inflammation.

 

Eventually, blood sugar levels rise either because the pancreas

stops producing insulin or the cells become

more and more resistant to the insulin that is produced. The body's

inability to adequately compensate leads to diabetes.

 

Having diabetes, even in the early stages, significantly increases

the risk of heart disease. Early diabetes may be the first sign of

insulin resistance.

 

Warning signs and diagnosis of insulin resistance?

 

Individuals with insulin resistance are often overweight, with their

extra pounds accumulating in their abdomens, the classic " apple "

shape.They often have family history of diabetes, high blood

pressure or heart disease.

 

Interestingly, although insulin resistance is usually seen

in people who are overweight, thin people can also have the problem

and be at the same risk for heart disease, high blood pressure and

diabetes.

 

The easiest way to diagnose the problem is to take a blood test that

looks for the following indicators. A low HDL cholesterol is almost

always seen, along with a high triglyceride level. You may also

check for a high fasting insulin level. A high uric acid level

sometimes accompanies these values.

 

What can you do about insulin resistance?

 

Watch your refined carbs – The classic lowfat diet that was the

standard recommendation for preventing or treating heart disease for

years can actually make insulin resistance worse. Simple

carbohydrates

(starches and refined sugars) raise blood sugar levels and trigger

the release

of insulin. A moderately low carbohydrate diet (40-to-45% of

calories) emphasizing low glycemic index sources of complex

carbohydrates (those that raise blood sugar levels slowly rather

than quickly) is recommended. In general, foods very rich in " fiber "

make a greater contribution towards stabilizing gluocse levels.

 

Cut the saturated fats, but keep *monosaturated* fats --

Include considerable amounts of monounsaturated fat (30 to 35% of

calories)rather than following a low-fat diet.

In this condition, as with high total and LDL cholesterol,

saturated fat makes the situation worse.

Eat generous amounts (5 or more servings) of complex carbs in the

form of organic vegetables and fruit every day.

 

Lose weight if you are overweight. Even small amounts of weight loss

can improve insulin resisitance.

 

Exercise – Vigorous aerobic exercise decreases the cells' resistance

to nsulin.

 

Eat fish more frequently – The most beneficial are cold water fish

like alaskan salmon and sardnes that are high in omega-3 fatty

acids. This type of fatseems to

improve our

cells' response to insulin.

 

Eat small, frequent meals to keep blood sugar levels as stable as

possible.

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Nutritional supplements and insulin resistance

 

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) – CoQ10 is a powerful antioxidant that has been

shown to be beneficial for heart health by protecting LDL

cholesterol

from oxidation and re-energizing the mitochondria in the heart

cells,which is where energy metabolism occurs.

This nutrient is very

importantfor the cells of patients with heart failure.

 

CoQ10 may also help lower bloodpressure

 

Alpha-lipoic acid – This antioxidant nutrient improves the cells'

response to insulin and can reduce blood sugar levels.

 

Magnesium – Higher insulin and blood sugar levels are seen in people

with low plasma magnesium levels and magnesium supplementation

improves

insulin resistance in animal studies

 

Chromium – It improves glucose utilization in people with high blood

sugar levels and improves insulin resistance in animals.