Could someone clear up how reversible insulin resistance is?

[Member496333]

I should have made this clear in my original post, but yes I do exercise. Nothing amazing, but I walk about 8-10 miles a day. And it's very clear that my IR goes down while I'm exercising, as my BG peaks are significantly lower if I exercise directly after eating. It's just that I notice no IR reduction benefit unless I am exercising.

Squire, it's interesting that you noted that a 3km walk is sufficient for you to lower your blood sugar. I had thought the same thing since a small walk after eating greatly reduces my blood sugar as well, but it turns out that my blood sugar goes right back up after I finish walking unless I walk for 2-3 hours (the amount of time it takes for my cells to clear that meal's sugar from my bloodstream).

This is likely in no small part because muscle tissue burns through its own glycogen and starts sucking up glucose from the blood irrespective of the presence or function of insulin. That’s my understanding at least. It’s why resistance training is so effective at controlling blood glucose.

 

[Ponchu]

This is likely in no small part because muscle tissue burns through its own glycogen and starts sucking up glucose from the blood irrespective of the presence or function of insulin. That’s my understanding at least. It’s why resistance training is so effective at controlling blood glucose.

Will the long term control of BG keeping insulin low improve sensitivity?

I think so.

 

[graham.phillips]

Until recently, I was operating under the belief that insulin resistance was 100% reversible and would be completely eliminated once I got to a normal weight. However, after almost 50 pounds lost over 4 months and on the verge of normal BMI, my glucose tolerance remains pathetic. In fact, it's gotten worse. 4 months ago, I could take ~30g carb and not go over 130mg/dl. Now, I can only take ~15g and hit the same blood sugar.

Is IR a permanent thing that only drugs can treat? Am I simply always going to have this ludicrous amount of resistance, except when I exercise? My A1C one year ago was 5.5 (no diet) and I'm not even diagnosed yet, but I seem to be deteriorating so fast I'm utterly befuddled.

It's a bit more complex than that I'm afraid. HBA1c can be low due to massive levels of insulin so everything seems fine but you have the metabolic syndrome in spades. Has you GP or specialist tested you for insulin sensitivity/insulin resistance? Weight loss is only one aspect of the story others include exercise, diet, sleep, stress, nutritional status etc etc.

 

[jm164441]

It's a bit more complex than that I'm afraid. HBA1c can be low due to massive levels of insulin so everything seems fine but you have the metabolic syndrome in spades. Has you GP or specialist tested you for insulin sensitivity/insulin resistance? Weight loss is only one aspect of the story others include exercise, diet, sleep, stress, nutritional status etc etc.

haven't been tested for insulin sensitivity, plan to do it next visit. Do I just ask him (family physician) to do an insulin test along with the other bloodwork tests?

Since I posted this thread, I've gotten my BMI down to normal range. I eat about 800 calories a day, and have done so for 5 months so it seems improbable that I would still have metabolic syndrome. Have never had high BP, even when I was obese.

I get plenty of sleep and exercise, not stressed at all, got my vitamins checked recently and everything was fine.

 

[PatsyB]

How do they test for \insulin sensitivity my nurse says i do not tolerate insulin very good unsure what the heck it all means mind

 

[graham.phillips]

How do they test for \insulin sensitivity my nurse says i do not tolerate insulin very good unsure what the heck it all means mind

There's a variety of test: OGTT; Kraft (probably the most accurate and definitive) HOMA-ir and hsCRP. Need to ask your endocrinologist/diabetologist what's on offer

 

[PatsyB]

hmmm only ever seen the Practise Nurse at the Doctors but will ask her when I go again