What is the definition of insulin resistance?
To understand insulin resistance, we must first understand what insulin is.
Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas, and one of its most important functions is to open receptors in cells and allow the entry of
glucose sugar, resulting from eating sweets and starches, and converting it into energy.
Causes of insulin resistance:
Insulin resistance occurs in cell receptors when they refuse to respond to insulin by allowing the entry of
glucose sugar into the cells, thus remaining in the blood. This leads to high blood sugar, and high blood sugar
leads to inflammation. With repeated high blood sugar, inflammation affects all organs of the body,
including the retina, joints, kidney failure, atherosclerosis, blood clots, high
bad cholesterol, fatty liver, and then liver fibrosis and pancreatic damage, as well as sexual dysfunction, and disruption
of the immune system, leading to autoimmune diseases, dysfunctional glands, and other immune diseases.
The metabolic consequences of insulin resistance can lead to hyperglycemia, hypertension,
dyslipidemia, obesity, hyperuricemia, elevated inflammatory markers, endothelial dysfunction,
and a prothrombotic state.
The development of insulin resistance can lead to metabolic syndrome and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
(NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes.
The causes of insulin resistance can be divided into acquired, genetic, and mixed. The vast majority of
people fall into the acquired categories.
Acquired causes include:
Dysfunctional excessive adipose tissue
Aging
Physical inactivity
Dietary imbalance
Increased sodium in the diet
Glucose toxicity
Lipid toxicity from fatty acids
Dietary supplements with gum arabic reduce blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin levels
in diabetic patients and pre-diabetic individuals through their hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant enzyme-boosting activities. In addition, the effect of gum arabic
on blood sugar is mediated by its activation of insulin secretion. Furthermore, randomized clinical trials
have revealed significant efficacy of gum arabic supplements in improving blood glucose levels.
According to an article published on the alwosta website:
Gum arabic helps stimulate insulin in sufficient quantities and also reduces the body's resistance
to insulin.
Gum arabic helps convert stored sugar in the body into combustible sugar, which limits
blood sugar concentration.
Causes of insulin resistance:
Excessive eating and gluttony
Symptoms of insulin resistance:
Among the most important symptoms of insulin resistance are:
Gynecomastia in men
Sexual dysfunction and erectile dysfunction in men
Menstrual cycle irregularities in women and hormonal imbalances
High uric acid in the blood (gout)
Lack of concentration and brain fog
Accumulation of fat around the waist
Inability to lose weight despite following dietary regimens, diets, and exercise
Joint pain
Appearance of dark spots on the back and skin tags on the neck
Hyperpigmentation
Hair loss
Dry skin
Digestive disorders, leading to constipation, bloating, and heartburn
Constant fatigue and exhaustion
Weakened immunity
