Insulin Sensitivity

Insulin sensitivity varies from person to person

Insulin sensitivity describes people who require normal or low levels of insulin to process glucose. Insulin sensitivity varies from person to person.

Doctors can perform a variety of tests to determine how sensitive an individual is to insulin.

Those people with insulin resistance require extra insulin to process glucose, which can cause health issues. If you fear you are having difficulty metabolising glucose, your doctor may wish to test your insulin sensitivity.

How does insulin sensitivity work?

The pancreas secretes insulin which then triggers tissues in the body to absorb blood glucose. This then lowers blood sugar levels and keeps them stable. Amongst people with diabetes or those with insulin resistance, larger amounts of insulin are required to keep blood glucose stable.

Why is insulin sensitivity importance?

Insulin resistance can cause a variety of health problems.

High levels of insulin can cause direct damage to blood vessels, high blood pressure, heart disease and heart failure, obesity, osteoporosis and even cancer.

Low levels of circulating insulin is associated with increased longevity.

How does insulin sensitivity occur amongst diabetics?

Insulin resistance is associated with type 2 diabetes, but occurs amongst type  diabetics as well.

Many people suffer from double diabetes, whereby they have type 1 diabetes but the insulin resistance of type 2 diabetes.

For people with type 1 diabetes, insulin is essential for day-to-day management of the condition. 

How do I raise or lower my insulin sensitivity?

Fortunately, insulin sensitivity can be increased and improved by changing your lifestyle. This includes exercise and eating choices. Exercise is extremely important and has a powerful effect on insulin sensitivity.

Any type of physical exercise has the potential to make your insulin more efficient. Combining aerobic activities with resistance training is the most efficient way to increase insulin sensitivity.

No matter how old you are, how fit you are, or how much you weight – exercise can make a difference to insulin sensitivity within just one week.

How else can I become more sensitive to insulin?

As well as performing more physical activity, losing any excess body fat helps to improve insulin sensitivity.

Avoiding elevated blood glucose following meals may improve insulin sensitivity.

Choose foods with higher fibre and lower GI and Glycemic load helps to improve insulin sensitivity.

Other way to improve insulin sensitivity is to get enough sleep, don’t get too stressed out, and lower how inflamed your body is by eating better and exercising more.

So insulin sensitivity is partially down to me?

You can make a good deal of difference to how effectively your insulin works. Being insulin sensitive has numerous health benefits.

For instance, if you take daily insulin, having an increased sensitivity could help you to take lower doses. Medication will also be more efficient.

Improving insulin sensitivity is an excellent idea not only for your diabetes control, but for your health in general.