Although insulin resistance is not a disease, it is an important condition that paves the way for many diseases such as diabetes, metabolic syndrome, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, infertility and polycystic ovary syndrome.
Acıbadem International Hospital Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Specialist Dr. Bilge Ceydilek pointed out that the prevalence of obesity and type 2 diabetes, where insulin resistance is almost always seen together, is gradually increasing in the society, and said, “According to the 2019 report of the Economic Cooperation and Development Organization; We rank first in the prevalence of obesity in Europe. It is possible to explain all these increase rates with changing socioeconomic conditions. We move less and burn fewer calories as a result of developing technology, increasingly uncertain working hours, and the disappearance of the home/work place distinction. In addition, access to reliable food is becoming more difficult with each passing day, both due to economic impossibilities, environmental pollution and climate changes. “Not having access to safe food means either turning to cheap food with simple carbohydrates or being more exposed to endocrine disruptors in our air, water and soil.”
AVOID SHOCK DIETS
Stay away from shock diets to lose weight in a short time. Instead of heavy diets, popular diets and diets containing one type of food, the benefits of which have not been proven, make it a habit to apply sustainable and healthy nutrition programs that are suitable for your eating habits and daily life, including a variety of nutrients.
BEWARE OF ICE CREAM AND COLD DRINKS
Pay attention to the contents of refreshing drinks and ice creams in the summer heat. Prefer those without sweetening syrups, sugar and cream additives.
STAY AWAY FROM PREPARED FOODS
Stay away from ready-made food and packaged products as much as possible. Especially during the pandemic period, when the houses were closed and the restrictions were lifted, out-of-home nutrition increased a lot. Intensively processed products containing additives, sugar or dough make up the vast majority of out-of-home nutrition. Instead, choose meals that contain sufficient protein, fat and fiber, and whose carbohydrate needs are provided from whole grain cereals, fruit and vegetable groups.
AT LEAST 3 DAYS OF SPORTS A WEEK IS REQUIRED
At least 3 days a week, provided that it is brisk; Make it a habit to do moderate-intensity activities such as walking, swimming, cycling, running and jumping rope. The duration of exercise should not be less than 30 minutes per day and 150 minutes in total for a week.
DO NOT EXTEND DINNERS
Avoid eating until late. Pay attention to the frequency of extended dinners during the summer season. Pay attention to the amount of fruits with high glycemic index, which we think will be an innocent snack after dinner; The fruits should not exceed roughly a handful.
DO NOT SLEEP
Being awake at night causes the expected decrease in stress hormones during sleep, and a secondary increase in glucose and insulin levels. Against sleep problems; It is important to reorganize working hours and resting hours, which have become uncertain due to technological progress and remote working.
GET A PHYSICIAN’S VIEW
If you are in the risk group, it is very important to get a doctor’s opinion. If you have a history of diabetes in your family, if you are overweight or have a thick waist circumference, if your baby was born over 4 kg, if the sugar test results were high during pregnancy, if you have menstrual irregularity, hair growth and excessive acne problems, do not neglect to consult your doctor.
ATTENTION TO THESE SYMPTOMS
Insulin hormone, which provides glucose uptake into cells in fat, muscle and liver tissues, initiates intracellular events in energy metabolism. When insulin resistance develops, there is a decrease in the cellular effect of insulin and glucose cannot be taken into the cell, and there is excessive insulin secretion from the pancreatic gland. Due to these changes in glucose and insulin balance; Problems such as frequent hunger, lubrication around the waist, sleepiness after meals, fatigue, sweating, menstrual irregularities, excessive hair growth, frequent and widespread acne may develop.