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INSULIN RESISTANCE AND HOMA INDEX

Early detection | Prevention/Treatment

From insulin resistance This is when the blood sugar-lowering hormone insulin works less than expected. She is also called Pre-diabetes and is the precursor to type 2 diabetes.

While the insulin deficiency in type 1 diabetes (= so-called juvenile form of diabetes) is absolute, i.e. no insulin is released at all, the insulin deficiency in type 2 is relative. This means that insulin is generally released, but the effect of the body's own insulin is too weak to normalize blood sugar. The reasons for this are not exactly clear. However, it is assumed that it comes about through a combination of several factors.

This is what causes insulin resistance overweight of outstanding causal importance. Free fatty acids have long been discussed as mediators between excessive body fat and insulin resistance, but recently also certain protein molecules that are released from fatty tissue (similar to hormones from glands) and in other tissues (e.g. liver, muscle). Disrupt insulin signal

The Nutrition also plays a major role. Large amounts of sugary foods and drinks, as well as heavily processed and therefore nutrient-poor foods, contribute greatly to this form of sugar metabolism disorder.

In addition, our predominantly sedentary lifestyle and the associated lack of exercise represents another risk factor for the development of insulin resistance. There is now numerous evidence that regular exercise Increases the insulin sensitivity of the cells and thus counteracts insulin resistance.

Insulin resistance not only leads to disturbances in the glucose balance, but is also involved in the development of lipid metabolism disorders, high blood pressure and Atherosclerosis involved. It is therefore seen as being very closely linked to cardiovascular diseases.

Diagnosis of insulin resistance
In insulin resistance Blood sugar levels are slightly elevated after meals and insulin levels are significantly elevated. The fasting sugar level is usually within the normal range for a long time. Since pre-diabetes usually has no symptoms, it remains undetected for a long time. The impaired glucose utilization can be revealed with the help of the sugar load test and with the calculated laboratory value HOMA.Index as a measure of the estimated insulin resistance.

OUR OFFER FOR THE EARLY DETECTION OF INSULIN RESISTANCE

  • Urinalysis for glucose (sugar)(part of the health check-up 35+)
  • fasting blood sugar (70-110 mg/dl) (part of the health check-up 35+)
  • Blood sugar profile (Blood sugar values ​​before and after meals, possibly only one value 1-2 hours after a main meal)
    Even after a diet containing carbohydrates/sugar, blood sugar levels should not rise significantly (ideal value approx. 70-140mg/dl)
  • Sugar load test (oral glucose tolerance test)
    Sensitive standardized test for early diagnosis of diabetes, in which blood sugar is determined once in practice (fasting, 1 hour and 2 hours after drinking a standardized glucose solution)
  • HOMA index Laboratory examination to determine insulin resistance (lack of effect of the body's own insulin), useful in cases of obesity, unfulfilled desire to have children, abnormal blood sugar levels)
    oGTT – PDF for download

Our measures to prevent/treat insulin resistance

weight loss
The best treatment (and prevention) of insulin resistance is still to achieve a normal body weight, ie the body mass index (weight in kg divided by height in m to the power of two) should be less than 25. We advise you on your goals.

Nutrition
We provide initial individual nutritional advice and refer you to professional nutritional advice from a dietitian.

Exercise
Another important step is to exercise more and regularly. Muscle training counteracts insulin resistance and uses up glucose. Everything counts: climbing stairs, going for a walk and even doing a fitness program. We can provide you with general advice and submit an application for reimbursement of costs for functional sports/rehabilitation sports.

Lack of sleep and shift work can also contribute to insulin resistance.

drugs
Metformin, a well-known drug used in diabetes therapy, clearly improves insulin action and, in a preventive approach, reduces the risk of diabetes. We will advise you based on your laboratory values ​​and your risk factors as to whether drug therapy is an option for you.

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