TYPE 2 DIABETES: WHAT CAUSES INSULIN RESISTANCE?
Insulin Resistance has many factors that contribute to its presence in the body. In essence, our environment and lifestyles have evolved too rapidly for our bodies to keep pace. We are still genetically "wired" to thrive on the entrenched habits of our ancestors who consumed different, nutrient-rich foods, a diet low in carbohydrates and also sustained greater levels of movement and exercise.
Some people may also have a genetic predisposition to insulin resistance. Others develop insulin resistance through unhealthy lifestyles.
Over time, the above factors have damaged the complex ability of our bodies' cells to properly utilize insulin to convert glucose to energy. Unhealthy, high carbohydrate diets can cause the pancreas to overproduce insulin that overwhelms the cell and reduces insulin sensitivity.
Excess insulin then enters the blood stream where it can cause a variety of conditions beside type 2 diabetes, including the cluster of increased risks for cardiovascular conditions called Metabolic Syndrome (Syndrome X) as well as the hormone imbalance known as Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) – a leading cause of female infertility, irregular menstruation and excessive bleeding, skin conditions such as acne and brown patches, excess facial and body hair, female baldness and reduced sex drive.
Inflammation may also play a key role in insulin resistance. The medical profession is still studying and evaluating the connection of inflammation to a wide variety of disorders. But some sort of influence seems certain.
Inflammation is the body's defensive response to harmful stimuli. The latter can range from an external example like a splinter in your finger, causing reddened, inflamed skin, to a complex internal process in response to a harmful condition like high blood pressure.
In the case of diabetes, the harmful stimuli are thought to be elevated levels of insulin - a classic symptom of insulin resistance. To learn more, click on Inflammation, Insulin Resistance and Diabetes.
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