Insulin Resistance: What You Need to Know

Glucose, or sugar, is the body’s main source of energy. It’s found in a variety of foods, including carbohydrates such as bread, pasta, rice and starchy vegetables. The digestive system breaks down these foods into glucose, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream. With the help of insulin, this glucose is then used by your cells to fuel your body’s function.

You can improve your health by managing insulin resistance.

If you have insulin resistance, your blood glucose (sugar) levels are higher than normal and your risk of developing prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes is greater. It’s important to talk to your doctor about how to manage this condition.

Strategies to Improve Your Health by Managing Insulin Resistivity

In most cases, the sooner you can start making changes to your lifestyle, the better. Changing your diet, losing weight and getting regular exercise are all strategies to improve your body’s ability to use insulin properly.

Losing weight: If you’re overweight or obese, the most effective way to improve your sensitivity to insulin is to lose weight. Research shows that losing just 7% of your body weight can reduce the risk of developing Type 2 diabetes by 58%.

Physical activity: Get at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, such as walking, biking, swimming, jogging or light weight training, every day. This will boost your body’s glucose uptake and make your muscles more sensitive to insulin, reducing your risk of prediabetes or Type 2 diabetes.