Type 2 Diabetes + Insulin Resistance
Nearly half a billion people are living with diabetes worldwide, and that number is projected to increase by 25% in 2030 and 51% in 2045. So, let’s talk about it.
What’s the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 1 diabetes accounts for about 10% of cases, and occurs when the pancreatic beta islet cells (the cells that produce insulin) fail to produce enough insulin. This condition is often influenced by genetic factors and is classified as an autoimmune disease. Recent studies suggest that stressed beta islet cells may produce abnormal proteins, known as self epitopes, which trigger an immune response. As a result, the body experiences a lack of insulin, which leads to elevated blood sugar levels. This, in turn, can cause oxidative damage.
Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, comprises around 90% of cases and is characterized by the body’s cells becoming resistant to the effects of insulin. Over time this resistance leads to an accumulation of glucose and visceral fat (fat that “hides” in the body by storing deep in the stomach or wrapping around organs), placing a burden on the body. Eventually the pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to meet the increased demand. As a result, blood sugar levels rise, leading to oxidative damage. Type 2 diabetes is preventable and reversible.
What contributes to Type 2 Diabetes?
The vicious cycle of insulin resistance:
excessive eating of nutrient poor foods, chronic stress, sedentary lifestyle and toxicity can lead to
glucose levels elevating + the body responding by making a lot of insulin to attempt to handle it, which can lead to
cells overtime resisting effects of insulin so the levels continue to climb higher, which can lead to
glucose rising and excess sugar getting stored as body fat, which can lead to
a person feeling hungry and fatigued and gaining more body fat,
and the cycle continues.
Excessive intake of highly-processed foods: We need certain nutrients to fuel our cells. A diet consisting of highly-processed foods not only lacks nutrients and minerals such as chromium, biotin and magnesium, which are critical for maintaining healthy insulin sensitivity. It also leads to intake of inflammatory cells, which can impair insulin sensitivity at the cell membrane.
Chronic stress: High levels of chronic stress influence blood sugar via cortisol. Increased cortisol and/or adrenaline increase blood sugar separate from a person’s diet. Many people today live with chronic stress both physically and mentally/emotionally. Left unchecked, this wreaks havoc on the God-designed body.
Sedentary lifestyle: Our body can store excess glucose as glycogen in muscle tissue. However, a sedentary lifestyle often leads to lack of muscle mass, reducing insulin receptor sensitivity, and minimizing utilization of food as fuel. This results in excess glucose in the blood stream, which is often stored as body fat instead of being used as fuel.
Give yourself compassion if you are stuck in the cycle.
The first step of escaping the cycle is awareness that you are in it. Being self critical, making excuses or blaming is not productive. What is productive is awareness and daily intention to escape the cycle. With awareness, a game plan and a solid support system, you can overcome the cycle.
Follow along with me on Instagram and YouTube to learn tangible tips to managing your blood sugar.
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