FAQs about prediabetes.
FAQs about prediabetes?

What is insulin resistance?

Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body’s cells do not use insulin properly. Insulin helps cells use blood glucose for energy.  If you are insulin resistant your body needs to make more insulin than is normal in order to move blood glucose out of the blood stream and into cells and tissues to nourish your body.

Insulin resistance increases the risk of developing pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.

What causes insulin resistance?

There are many different things that contribute to a person developing insulin resistance and pre-diabetes including genetic factors, carrying excess weight (especially around the mid section), a lack of physical activity, and a diet high in unhealthy fats and processed carbohydrates.

If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes it is important that you do not blame yourself.  Instead, simply take charge of your health and follow your doctor’s care instructions so you can get on your way to regaining control of your health.

Can insulin resistance be reversed?

Being physically active, making wise food choices, and reaching and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent or reverse insulin resistance and pre-diabetes.  There are also medications that may help improve your sensitivity to insulin and help you to more easily stabilize your blood sugars.

Will losing weight help prevent pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes?

Yes. While there are no guarantees, the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) study confirmed that people at risk for developing type 2 diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes by losing 5 to 7 percent of their body weight through regular physical activity and a diet low in fat and calories.

More About Insulin Resistance

Losing just 10 to 15 lbs can help you reverse prediabetes!Losing a modest amount of weight (10 to 15 lbs) can help you reverse pre-diabetes and insulin resistance. But it can be difficult to lose weight if your body over produces insulin . You may need to cut down on carbohydrate intake, exercise more, and even need insulin sensitizing medications to help you lose weight.

Increasing muscle mass through strength training can also help you burn fat more efficiently and make your body more sensitive to insulin.

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