Insulin Resistance and Medical Nutrition Therapy

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the islet of Langerhans in the pancreas that allows glucose in the blood to be taken up into the cell so that it can be used by muscle, liver and fat tissue cells.

Insulin resistance is the inability of cells in muscle, liver and adipose tissue to respond correctly to insulin secreted in the body and to use the glucose in the blood. As glucose does not enter the cell, the pancreas secretes more insulin to lower the glucose in the blood.

Overweight and obesity
Family history of diabetes
Inadequate physical activity
PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
Cardiovascular disease
In cases such as malnutrition, the risk of insulin resistance increases.

As with many chronic conditions, permanent lifestyle changes are essential to fight insulin resistance.

It is important to increase physical activity and establish a sustainable dietary routine.

The main goal in nutrition in insulin resistance is to reduce the frequency of consumption of foods with high glycemic index that raise blood sugar rapidly and foods that may cause insulin sensitivity and to increase physical activity.

Studies have shown that HbA1c levels (3-month average blood glucose) decrease with medical nutrition therapy. It has also been observed that insulin resistance decreases with moderate weight loss in overweight or obese individuals.