Insulin Sensitivity Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Insulin sensitivity describes a certain amount of insulin that is produced with the aim of storing glucose. This term describes the body’s sensitivity to the effects of insulin.
A person is said to be sensitive to insulin if only a small amount of insulin is needed to store a certain amount of glucose. The opposite of this term is insulin resistance. In this condition, large amounts of insulin are needed to store the same amount of glucose.
Insulin Sensitivity Symptom
Before getting to know more about the symptoms of insulin sensitivity, it is necessary to know in advance that there are several types of insulin sensitivity. The types include:
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peripheral insulin sensitivity
Refers to the ability of cells in peripheral parts of the body (such as muscle and fat) to store glucose, either under insulin stimulation or independently (contracting muscles absorb glucose).
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hepatic insulin sensitivity
Related to the production of blood sugar by the liver, namely the process of gluconeogenesis. Inflammatory processes, for example, can inhibit insulin’s ability to signal the liver to stop producing sugar. As a result, blood sugar levels become high even though the amount of insulin is sufficient.
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pancreatic insulin sensitivity
Related to the ability of pancreatic cells, namely beta cells, to produce insulin. Underproduction of insulin can be observed in several conditions, such as type I diabetes or cystic fibrosis.
The role of insulin sensitivity in body health is quite important. Poor insulin sensitivity will be compensated by the body by producing more insulin. Unfortunately, hyperinsulinemia (high insulin levels in the blood) is associated with various conditions – such as damage to blood vessels, high blood pressure, heart disease and heart failure, obesity, osteoporosis, and even cancer.
Insulin sensitivity can be reduced for a short period of time. For example when the body is exposed to disease or stress. In this situation, after recovering from illness or stress is gone, insulin sensitivity will generally return.
High insulin sensitivity is generally a good condition for the body, but it can also be detrimental. For example, in the case of type 1 diabetes, high insulin sensitivity can increase the risk of hypoglycemia.
Insulin Sensitivity Reason
Insulin sensitivity is the body’s regulation of blood sugar levels. To understand this term, it is necessary to understand the regulation of blood sugar in the body. Insulin itself is one of the hormones produced by the body and plays a role in the body’s metabolism by helping control blood sugar in the body. This hormone is produced by the pancreas.
The main source of energy for the body’s work is glucose, which is obtained from food sources that contain carbohydrates. When blood glucose levels are high, for example after eating, the body will produce insulin.
Insulin helps store blood sugar, so blood sugar doesn’t get high. Insulin attaches to insulin receptors on various body cells, and helps these cells ‘unfold’ and store glucose. For example in muscle cells and adipose tissue (fat).
When the amount of glucose is excess, it will usually be stored in the liver in the form of glycogen. The liver can release glucose again when needed or when the body lacks glucose.
Insulin also plays a role in the healing process after an injury. You do this by delivering amino acids to the muscles of the body. Amino acids themselves help the formation of proteins, which are found in abundance in muscle tissue.
Diagnosis
This state of poor insulin sensitivity is called insulin resistance. This is related to diabetes. To determine the diagnosis of diabetes, it is necessary to check blood sugar.
Insulin Sensitivity Treatment
Various ways can be done to increase the body’s insulin sensitivity, such as:
- changing your diet, choose foods high in fiber and low on the glycemic index (GI).
- regular exercise, especially a combination of aerobic exercise with strength training ( resistance training ). Jogging for 25–60 minutes for 3–5 days can be immediately
- increase insulin sensitivity. Lifting weights, which cause an increase in muscle mass, is also beneficial to increase insulin sensitivity.
- reduce excess body fat
- Get enough sleep and reduce stress levels