What is Insulin Resistance

[TwoTone]

So my searches to find just what insulin resistance is have come up empty. There is lots of information about what the effects are but not what it is.

I'd be interest to learn from the community if there is a definition somewhere.

 

[Northerner]

So my searches to find just what insulin resistance is have come up empty. There is lots of information about what the effects are but not what it is.

I'd be interest to learn from the community if there is a definition somewhere.

Basically, it's damaged receptors. Put simply, all cells in our body have insulin receptors, which are like the locks on the doors that let energy (in the form of glucose) into the cells. Insulin is the 'key' that can open these locks. However, with insulin resistance it is as though the locks are rusty, causing difficulties for the body to use glucose efficiently, and levels of blood glucose climb high. If this happens then the pancreas will try to produce more insulin to overcome the resistance, which is why Type 2 diabetics often produce large amounts of insulin. Unfortunately, unused glucose is laid down in fat cells by another mechanism of insulin, which can then cause weight gain.

Weight loss (if necessary) and exercise helps to overcome the resistance and make the insulin more efficient, allowing the body to use more of the glucose as energy and blood glucose levels do not climb as high. Exercise has the additional benefit of creating more insulin receptors on the cells, again increasing sensitivity. Reducing carb intake, especially fast-acting carbs like sugary, starchy items, can reduce the output of insulin so reducing the weight gain effect 🙂

Not an official explanation, but one I have always found helpful 🙂

 

[Sharron1]

Basically, it's damaged receptors. Put simply, all cells in our body have insulin receptors, which are like the locks on the doors that let energy (in the form of glucose) into the cells. Insulin is the 'key' that can open these locks. However, with insulin resistance it is as though the locks are rusty, causing difficulties for the body to use glucose efficiently, and levels of blood glucose climb high. If this happens then the pancreas will try to produce more insulin to overcome the resistance, which is why Type 2 diabetics often produce large amounts of insulin. Unfortunately, unused glucose is laid down in fat cells by another mechanism of insulin, which can then cause weight gain.

Weight loss (if necessary) and exercise helps to overcome the resistance and make the insulin more efficient, allowing the body to use more of the glucose as energy and blood glucose levels do not climb as high. Exercise has the additional benefit of creating more insulin receptors on the cells, again increasing sensitivity. Reducing carb intake, especially fast-acting carbs like sugary, starchy items, can reduce the output of insulin so reducing the weight gain effect 🙂

Not an official explanation, but one I have always found helpful 🙂

Thanks for the explanation, I have always found it so confusing.

 

[TwoTone]

Thanks Northener. Yes I too have always found dirt confusing. If receptors are damaged, can they be repaired? There are many cases of reversals, including myself. I have to do some more digging on this subject.

And I have crazy exercise program:
Row 2 to 3 times a week for about 1 hr 10 mis.
Cycle 2 to 3 times a week for 1 hr 30 to 2 hrs.

Cheers.

 

[Sharron1]

Good luck and carry on digging.