It’s one of the most common lifestyle diseases, but did you know diabetes differed from insulin resistance? Did you know you could be a Type 2 diabetic with insulin resistance but not have high blood sugar as a result? Let’s do a little digging about this.
Diabetes, a chronic condition affecting the way our bodies process blood sugar or glucose, comes in two primary types: type 1 and type 2. While type 1 diabetes is characterized by the body’s inadequate production of insulin, type 2 diabetes involves the body’s growing resistance to insulin’s effects.
Insulin resistance, a separate but related condition, is when the body’s cells grow less receptive to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. Over time, this can escalate to type 2 diabetes. This resistance is often associated with factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, and a high-carbohydrate diet.
Understanding the Difference
The nature of diabetes and insulin resistance is what makes the distinction between the two conditions so important. Diabetes is a chronic disease that disrupts blood sugar processing, while insulin resistance is a state where the body’s cells decrease their sensitivity to insulin. Insulin resistance is a risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes, but having it does not necessarily result in developing the disease.
The Role of Janumet
Metformin and sitagliptin are the two components that make up the blood glucose-lowering medication known as Janumet, which is a combination product. Metformin enhances the body’s sensitivity to insulin, proving beneficial for type 2 diabetes treatment. Sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, works by restraining the DPP-4 enzyme and increasing the hormone levels of GLP-1 and GIP, consequently reducing blood glucose levels. Janumet’s primary effect is to increase the sensitivity of various tissues to insulin, which in turn encourages the removal of glucose from the blood and results in lower levels of glucose.
Lifestyle Changes for Diabetes Management
Type 2 diabetes management extends beyond medication to incorporate various lifestyle modifications.
Maintaining a healthy body weight is integral to blood sugar control and overall well-being. A weight loss of 5 to 7 percent can significantly regulate blood sugar levels and enhance insulin sensitivity.
Healthy eating habits play a vital role in managing type 2 diabetes. This involves reducing fat intake, boosting dietary fiber consumption, and limiting sugar, white flour, refined grains, and starchy vegetables. Before making significant alterations to your diet, it is essential to first consult with a medical professional or a registered dietitian.
Regular exercise is recommended, with at least 150 minutes per week of moderate activities such as walking, biking, or swimming. Including resistance exercises like weight lifting can also prove beneficial.
Stress management is crucial, as both emotional and physical stress can worsen insulin resistance. Removing unnecessary stress factors, prioritizing essential tasks, and incorporating stress-relieving habits can help manage blood sugar levels.
Quitting smoking can significantly improve diabetes management and reduce the risk of complications.
Adequate sleep is another factor to consider. Lack of sleep can influence blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity. Strive for 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night.
These lifestyle changes, along with prescribed medication, can significantly improve overall health, lower blood sugar levels, and reduce the risk of severe complications such as heart attacks or strokes. However, before making any significant lifestyle or medication changes, it is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider.
Changes in one’s way of life, as well as responses to medications, can vary greatly from person to person. As a result, the strategies that are successful for one individual might not be applicable to another. Therefore, in order to deal effectively with diabetes or insulin resistance, you need to ensure that your expectations are reasonable.
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