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Looking for answer to medicine for insulin resistance? Well, this exclusive blog is for you.
The Pancreas has beta cells responsible for producing, storing, and releasing insulin. When the production of insulin, a hormone, is somehow interrupted, it affects the metabolism of lipids (fat), carbohydrates (starches & sugar), and proteins.
A condition develops in the human body, as fat and muscle tissues do not respond appropriately to insulin, so a higher level of the same hormone is required to get the normal physiological effect.
According to the National Institute of Health, in case of insulin resistance, cells in the patient’s muscles, fat, and liver don’t respond well to insulin which eventually hinders the extraction of glucose from the blood.
Difference between Insulin Resistance and Diabetes
A normal person may be suffering from chronic or temporary insulin resistance. It’s the prediabetes condition that leads to type 2 diabetes on ignoring. Prediabetes means that the body has a higher level of insulin deployed by the pancreas to keep cells energized and blood glucose levels under control.
When this hyper-performance of pancreas cell continues for a longer time, the wear and tear of cells begin.
So the capability of the body to produce insulin decreases and the patient has Type 2 diabetes as the body doesn’t create enough insulin for its usage. The condition tends to get worst when Pancreas stops injecting any insulin, it’s type 1 diabetes because the patient needs a dose of insulin to maintain the glucose level in the blood.
Reason for Maintaining Certain Glucose Levels in Blood
You need to develop a certain level of glucose in your body for proper functioning. In case of higher sugar levels, the ability of pancreas cells slowly eroded to produce insulin which leads to severe problems such as kidney failure, eye disease, and nerve damage.
As glucose is the source of energy in the body, a lower level of glucose causes hypoglycemia with signs of hunger, headache, sweating, dizziness, etc. According to Mount Sinai, the normal blood sugar level in the human body is 70 to 100 mg/dL.
Symptoms of Insulin Resistance
Symptoms of insulin resistance include
- Frequent Urination
- Higher Thirst
- Blurry Vision
- Headache
- Hunger
- Skin Infection
- Slow healing wounds
Test and Evaluation
In the early stages of insulin resistance, it’s very difficult to diagnose because the pancreas works for producing a sufficient amount of insulin. There are several factors that contribute to the development of the disease so healthcare uses the patient’s medical history, family history, and physical exam to diagnose the disease.
The common tests for evaluating the glucose level in the body include fasting plasma glucose (FPG) or glucose tolerance test, glycated hemoglobin A1c, and lipid panel.
Insulin Lowering Management
Insulin resistance causes PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) in women which leads to metabolic complications such as abdominal weight gain, type 2 diabetes, and high blood pressure. It also affects normal cardiovascular and kidney performance too.
Medicine for insulin resistance is always the last option, you can overcome it through proper diet and exercise too.
Diet Changes
You can improve your insulin resistance by regulating your diet plan for weight loss. Focus on the foods that don’t enhance your insulin level. The best edibles for this purpose are low glycemic-index fruits, lean proteins, and vegetables.
On the other hand, anti-inflammatory foods can also be used to control the glucose level in the body. Limit the carbohydrate food to one-quarter of your plate that consists of grains, beans, milk, etc.
Physical Activity
Insulin resistance can also be controlled by secreting energy through the breaking down of glucose. You need a moderately intense exercise level to achieve those results. It also helps you to build muscle mass by just having two days of weight training each week.
Medicine for Insulin Resistance
If a patient’s body won’t be able to create insulin at all or an insufficient amount, the medication for insulin resistance becomes necessary for keeping the body functional and healthy. According to Web MD, there are two types of drugs available that are suitable for the patients
Biguanides
In the class of Biguanides, the usual drug that doctors recommend is metformin.
The drug enhances the working efficiency of insulin which affect the glucose level of the body. It also influences liver performance and lowers its ability to produce glucose so there will be less glucose in your body.
Dose
Metformin is available in three forms in the market, extended-release pills, liquid form, and immediate-release pills. In the case of controlling insulin resistance, you can take it in liquid form twice a day or have an immediate-release pill in the morning or evening. Metformin is only suitable for type 2 diabetes.
Side Effect
Metformin also has some side effects, when use for an extended period such as diarrhea, vomiting, belly pain, and nausea. If the side effects hit you hard, with consultation with your doctor, you can use extended-release tabs.
Thiazolidinediones
Thiazolidinediones has two different drugs in the same class, rosiglitazone, and pioglitazone. They enhance the cell capacity for the usage of insulin and reduce the amount of glucose produced by the liver. You should not use this medicine for insulin resistance when you have congestive heart failure because it will worsen your disease.
The reason is thiazolidinediones cause blood retention and in congestive heart failure, the patient’s heart is already pumping a lower blood supply than usual. The chances of heart attack increase by taking this medicine for insulin resistance.
Dose
In the case of rosiglitazone, the usual dose for controlling insulin resistance is 4 mg to 8 mg while pioglitazone dosage varies from 15 mg to 45 mg based on the patient’s condition.
Side Effect
The usual side effects of thiazolidinediones are higher chances of getting heart failure and bone fracture. The probability of bone fracture increases because TZD lowers the bone mineral density (BMD) that is essential for healthy bone structure.
Conclusion
Insulin resistance is a temporary and chronic condition that develops in the human body that leads to Type 2 diabetes or Type 1 in the worst cases.
In the case of a mild increase in glucose level, you can control it by changing your diet and having some physical activity without looking for medicine for insulin resistance. However, if the glucose level is difficult to maintain, you need medication for insulin resistance in the scenario. The usual medication is biguanides and thiazolidinediones which have their own working mechanism and side effects.
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