You might have heard that diabetes is referred to as insulin-dependent or insulin resistant. However, the symptoms and suffering of the patients suffering from both variants remain the same. What is it that sets these two apart then? How can one differentiate one from the other?
Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas for glucose absorption and metabolism. Insulin resistance is a condition where people are not able to use circulating insulin effectively as the cells of the body become resistant to insulin. This leads to difficulty in absorbing glucose and the accumulation of sugar in the blood. However, many people who have insulin resistance have high blood sugar levels but not high enough to be labelled as diabetes. This condition is known as the prediabetes stage.
It is not known exactly why one develops it; however, being overweight or obese are high-risk factors for developing this condition. Other factors that may also cause insulin resistance are genetic and lifestyle factors.
Insulin resistance can be temporary or chronic and can be treatable in some cases. Exercise is one of the fastest and the most effective ways to manage insulin resistance apart from oral anti-diabetic and anti-obesity medications which may be prescribed by your physician to manage the condition.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D
Insulin resistance initially does not trigger any symptoms. You may be insulin resistant and may not even realize it at all. Sometimes a simple blood glucose test too cannot tell you if you are insulin resistant or not.
The earliest signs and symptoms of insulin are weight gain, particularly around the waistline, which is termed central obesity. A person typically has a fat waistline, a big belly, a fat and thick neck, a double chin, and a fatty hump at the back of the neck but relatively thin arms and legs.
Another symptom which people with insulin resistance have is ‘acanthosis nigricans’. This condition causes dark, thick skin patches in the skin folds like the groin area, armpits, and neck. This condition has no cure. Treating the underlying cause, might lighten the colour and cause the natural skin colour to reappear, but chances are rare.
Central obesity is the major cause of insulin resistance. Which can further lead to high blood pressure, prediabetes etc (known as metabolic syndrome).Life style changes can prevent metabolic syndrome and further prevent any chronic life style diseases
Dr. Nikhil Yadav, MBBS MD,CCEBDM
The exact cause for insulin resistance is not known; however, the primary cause has been linked to obesity and being overweight. Excess fat accumulation around the belly causes the fat cells to be deprived of oxygen which ultimately kills them. An inflammatory reaction is set which starts the insulin resistance in the body.
Insulin resistance is identified as an impaired biologic response to insulin stimulation of target tissues, primarily the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue. Insulin resistance impairs glucose disposal, resulting in a compensatory increase in beta-cell insulin production and hyperinsulinemia. Commonest causes include Obesity, overweight, PCOS.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
Losing weight can help reduce the extent of insulin resistance and thereby improve glucose metabolism in the body. This includes a radical shift in dietary and lifestyle habits. The diagnosis of insulin resistance is only a warning signal. It can very often be reversed by adopting healthy lifestyle habits.
1. The best test to conclude would be HbA1C which tells us about the average blood sugar levels over three months.
2. A fasting blood sugar test would also be advised for checking actual blood sugar levels.
3. A fasting blood sugar test and a series of blood glucose tests after a glucose drink (the glucose tolerance test) along with actual quantification of corresponding blood insulin levels is the most accurate test to confirm insulin resistance at an early stage. A fasting serum insulin level greater than 25mIU/L (or 174pmol/L) is considered insulin resistance. The same levels apply three hours after the last meal/ glucose drink.
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Living with insulin resistance can be rather difficult but it is not altogether impossible. One of the many treatments for insulin resistance begins at home by altering your lifestyle habits as mentioned above. These are:
Exercise is a universally recommended lifestyle habit for all people. A religious exercise routine of 30-60 minutes can be the solution for many of the health problems in the world including insulin resistance. Insulin resistance helps sugar move into muscles that go into storage and immediately gives a boost to insulin sensitivity.
Resistance training either done with the help of resistance bands or dumbbells or kettlebells has been found to be very effective against insulin resistance.
Contrary to popular belief, you may not be necessarily diabetic in order to suffer from insulin resistance. So, doing a combination of resistance training and aerobic training can significantly reduce your insulin resistance especially, when tracked over a 3-month period.
Sleep is a highly compromised lifestyle element but a very important one in determining your overall health. Lack of sleep or poor quality of sleep can make you susceptible to health complications such as type 2 diabetes, heart diseases and an array of infections over time. Many studies have been able to successfully establish a connection between increased insulin resistance and low levels of sleep.
Stress is another silent killer responsible for aggravating many health conditions in people around the world. Not only does chronic stress mess up your mental health but also takes a toll on your physical health.
Stress is harmful because it triggers the release of the hormones glucagon and cortisol into the body which prompts the body to go into either a fight or flight mode. These two hormones break down the stored sugar and glycogen into glucose which enters one’s bloodstream as a quick form of energy for use by the body.
Ongoing stress will keep your stress hormones on alert leading you to nutrient breakdown and increased blood sugar. Stress hormones will become you more insulin resistant thus, it is crucial that you keep your stress levels to a minimum by following the below-mentioned tips:
Maintaining a nutritious and filling diet every day is mandatory for a healthy lifestyle and keeping your insulin levels under check. To do this, here are some things you need to do:
When you suffer from insulin sensitivity irrespective of whether you have type 2 diabetes or not, you need to focus on losing a few pounds for your own health benefit., when starting on your weight loss journey, be sure to focus especially on belly fat reduction which has been found to be directly linked with insulin resistance.
Insulin is a hormone that is responsible for many bodily functions and so you need to be extra careful when you develop insulin resistance. By following the simple lifestyle changes mentioned above, you can improve your insulin sensitivity significantly in a short amount of time. Additionally, do not neglect your doctor’s advice and prescribed medications (if any).
Read More: 3 Different Type of Diabetes
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
Diabetes can be classified into two categories: Diabetes insipidus and diabetes mellitus. Both have serious consequences, though they are entirely different from each other. Let’s take a look at both of them and understand the differences.
Diabetes Insipidus is a rare disease. It is caused when there are problems related to ADH (Anti Diuretic Hormone). Someone with diabetes insipidus suffers from excessive urination. There is no increase in the blood glucose levels, unlike diabetes mellitus. A series of tests are needed to diagnose the condition. If left untreated, the condition can cause kidney damage and chronic kidney disease.
Due to excessive urination, the person feels an increased thirst leading to excessive fluid consumption. Patients are at risk of suffering from dehydration. It is of four types:
Diabetes mellitus is the more common form of diabetes. It causes elevated sugar levels in the blood. The body breaks down food into glucose that is the fuel for the cells for carrying out regular metabolic processes. When the body cannot process this glucose efficiently, it leads to high sugar levels that have serious health complications like kidney failure, vision loss, and amputations.
Diabetes mellitus is of two types.
Read More: Difference Between Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes
The symptoms of diabetes mellitus include increased thirst and hunger, excessive urination, frequent vaginal yeast infections, slow healing of cuts and scrapes, and tingling and numbness in the feet. The disease is treated by medications that control the sugar levels and by providing synthetic insulin in the body. A healthy diet, regular exercise, weight loss and timely administration of medication are the recommended course of treatment.
| Diabetes Insipidus | Diabetes Mellitus |
| Caused by problems in hypothalamus | Caused by problems in the pancreas |
| Caused by deficiency of ADH | Caused by a deficiency of insulin hormone |
| Glucose levels are not elevated | glucose levels are elevated |
| Urine doesn’t have glucose present | Urine has glucose present |
| Urine is much diluted. It has no odour | Urine of normal concentration |
| Excessive urination | Urination much lesser than in diabetes insipidus |
| No increase in blood cholesterol | Increase in blood cholesterol |
| Eating patterns do not change | Eating patterns change with excessive hunger |
| Negative results when tested for ketone bodies in urine | Positive results when tested for ketone bodies in urine |
Both, diabetes mellitus and diabetes insipidus need urgent medical intervention. Consult your doctor if you suffer from any of these symptoms.
Diabetes insipidus is quite rare compared to diabetes mellitus. Diabetes insipidus commonly seen post head injury , brain surgery and brain cancer.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
A diabetes diet plan includes healthy food items in moderate items during regular meal times. The food items included in this diet should be naturally rich in nutrients, and low in fat and calories.
The key elements that go into making a proper diet plan for diabetes are vegetables, fruits and whole grains. In fact, people with borderline diabetes or who have a family history should follow this diet as a part of a healthy meal plan.
Poorly controlled or uncontrolled diabetes insipidus may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance and this might specifically be harmful if it happens during pregnancy. Keep a caution and visit your gynecologist for any associated symptoms
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D.
Diabetes may increase the chances of heart-related ailments and stroke by accelerating the development of hardened artillery or blocking them. Foods containing the following can work against your goal of having a proper, balanced diabetes meal plan:
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
The very mention of diabetes can strike fear in the heart of the bravest. It is known to adversely affect several organs in the body like the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and many more. If not diagnosed on time and treated, it can lead to several complications. You may have read plenty of blogs on how you can manage diabetes or about the measures you can adopt to prevent the onset of this disorder. But are you aware there is a test that can predict your chances of developing diabetes? It’s called the HOMA-IR (Homeostatic Model Assessment of insulin resistance) test. This test can help you in preventing diabetes.
Besides HOMA-IR, there are several other diagnostic tests that are used for testing for diabetes. Get in touch with your doctor to find out which test you should opt for and how to prepare yourself for it. Remember, the earlier the diagnosis, the easier and more effective the treatment procedures are going to be!
Did you know?
To understand how HOMA IR may help you, you have to understand a thing or two about diabetes.
Diabetes is of two types – Type 1 (your body produces less insulin) and type 2 (associated with insulin resistance or less insulin production). Read more about the difference between type 1 & type 2 diabetes.
Glucose or as it is more commonly known, blood sugar provides energy to the cells of our body. It acts as fuel, driving our cells, tissues, muscles and organs to perform their respective tasks. Our pancreas produces a hormone called insulin. Insulin sends signals to your cells to pick up glucose from your bloodstream. But sometimes, your cells defy the signals that insulin sends and refuse to absorb sugar from the blood. This is a case of insulin resistance. And when this happens, the sugar level in your blood begins to soar. So, we can say that insulin resistance is the precursor to diabetes.
Abdominal fat increases insulin resistance,Cardio exercises combined with strength training not only decreases insulin resistance(via weight loss) but also increases insulin receptor density on muscles
Dr. Nikhil Yadav, MBBS MD,CCEBDM
Insulin resistance not only paves the way for type 2 diabetes but also other diseases like hypertension, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Strangely enough, people with normal levels of blood sugar may be insulin resistant. And this is exactly where HOMA IR can help. This test measures how resistant your cells are to insulin. Insulin resistance, even if the sugar content in your blood is within acceptable levels, hints that there is a possibility that your blood sugar might spike in the future. This is how the HOMA-IR goes a step further than a normal blood sugar test, which can only monitor your sugar level and would not be able to detect if anything is wrong until high blood sugar sets in.
HOMA IR, on the other hand, will ring the warning bells as soon as it registers even the slightest resistance to insulin in the pre-diabetes stage so that you can take the necessary steps to prevent a full-blown attack of diabetes.
Acute illness and stress are the two clinically often neglected conditions where fasting plasma glucose test is more sensitive than HbA1C, which is also known as glycated hemoglobin test for detecting blood sugar levels. One should always do the Fasting plasma glucose along with HbA1C to get a correct diagnosis.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
Your results from the HOMA-IR test are displayed against a scale or range that determines the level of your insulin resistance. Low HOMA-IR implies you are sensitive to insulin and higher levels indicate insulin resistance and higher chances of you developing diabetes mellitus.
Initial diagnosis of diabetes should always be made by fasting blood sugar and post prandial blood sugar. For monitoring you can use HbA1c.
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)
To properly be able to tackle decreasing insulin resistance, it is necessary to bring about changes in lifestyle and habits. There are two ways in which this could be achieved:
Want to manage your diabetes effectively? Book your free diabetes consultation from our experts!
You should consult a doctor who will advise you on appropriate lifestyle modification or prescribe the appropriate medication. You will also have to go on a special diet of fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fish, eggs, soy products, etc. Seek a dietician’s help to draw up a diet chart and don’t forget to exercise regularly. Workout is known to decrease insulin resistance. Get at least 7-hours of sleep.
HOMA-IR is a groundbreaking new method of diagnosing diabetes before it develops. With appropriate care, you can avert diabetes. Isn’t this test worth your time? So, book a test as soon as possible.
Read More: 10 Home Remedies for Diabetes
Disclaimer: The information included at this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.
Diabetes Mellitus (DM) generally tends to run in families. If you have been diagnosed with diabetes recently, it is likely that you will find a history of diabetic relatives in your family tree. The question is – Is diabetes a genetic disease? People with diabetes often wonder about the chances of passing this condition to their children or the likelihood of developing the disease if their parents have it.
Your genes definitely play a role in developing diabetes. Having a family history of diabetes raises your chances of acquiring the condition. However, diabetes mellitus is caused by a host of different factors, including genes. Not everyone may inherit the gene, and even if they do, it’s possible to avoid the disease successfully.
The impact of genetic factors varies according to the different types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is caused by genetic factors mostly, whereas environmental factors heavily influence type 2 diabetes. To understand if diabetes is a genetic disease, we need to understand the role of different factors in developing the disease.
Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune condition wherein the body attacks its own immune system, leading to the destruction of the pancreas cells responsible for producing insulin. This hormone helps in carrying sugar into the cells for the production of energy. This condition results in hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar levels) and requires the affected person to take insulin injections to restore the insulin their body doesn’t create.
Children or young adults are more likely to develop type 1 diabetes.
Is Type 1 diabetes caused by genetic factors? Yes, genes can play an important part in developing this disease, but that’s not the only reason. This is seen even in identical twins who share the same set of genes. Sometimes one twin might get type 1 DM, whereas the other won’t. This is where environmental factors can play a role.
Type 1 diabetes can evolve over time, and there might be certain factors that cause the trigger of autoimmune antibodies that cause type 1. Once a person has developed type 1, the condition can’t be cured, but it is manageable through medical intervention.
Type 2 DM is the most common type of diabetes. Globally 6.28% of the world’s population is afflicted by type 2 diabetes mellitus. As seen in type 1, people affected with type 2 are more likely to have a family history of this diabetes type.
Type 2 diabetes is genetic too but, unlike type 1, genetics have a smaller role to play in this case. Environmental factors and daily lifestyle have a more significant impact on developing this condition.
People with two or more risk factors are more vulnerable to developing type 2.
Also Read: 75 Soft Challenge: A Comprehensive Guide to Embrace the Lifestyle Change
Diabetes mellitus is a complex disease that can be caused by multiple factors. It is normal to wonder if diabetes is a genetic condition or not, especially when one has family members who have diabetes. However, diabetes mellitus is caused by several other reasons besides just genetic factors. Once you identify the probable factors and causes of diabetes mellitus, you can modify your habits and reduce your chances of developing diabetes.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.
Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.
A study of more than 5000 adults with Diabetes highlighted the importance of family, friends, and colleagues in improving well-being and self-management. Family members are often asked to share the responsibility for disease management. They can provide many forms of support, such as instrumental support in driving patients to appointments or helping to inject insulin and social and emotional support in helping patients cope with their disease.
Through their communication and attitudes, family members often have a significant impact on a patient’s psychological well-being, the decision to follow recommendations for medical treatment, and the ability to initiate and maintain changes in diet and exercise.
Family members can feel distressed by their loved one’s diabetes due to limited knowledge about diabetes or not knowing how to support their loved one.
The family may also have misconceptions, such as believing that the patient knows more about diabetes than the patient actually reports or not understanding their loved one’s needs in diabetes management.
A diabetes caregiver should be made aware of the signs to identify any complications of eye, foot or kidney problems at an early stage and report to the physician. Paying attention to even loss of sensations or slippers slipping off the foot might be helpful to report at follow-ups.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Read More About: Tips for Diabetes Management
Knowledge about the disease, strategies to alter family routines, and optimal ways to cope with the emotional aspects of the disease are some of the aspects of diabetes self-management that family members need.
Educating family members about diabetes-care needs can help ease this strain by explaining why these changes are necessary, how these changes can best be implemented, and where to find additional information, such as healthy recipes or exercise routines.
Everyday care for diabetic patients includes “Check your feet every day for cuts, blisters, red spots, and swelling. Brush your teeth and floss every day to keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy. Stop smoking, Keep track of your blood sugar.”
Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD
The following 4 cornerstones of care are really important to pay attention to when taking care of a family member with Diabetes:
Over time, diabetes can damage blood vessels in the heart, eyes, kidneys and nerves. People with diabetes have a higher risk of health problems including heart attack, stroke and kidney failure.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
If you have a child with diabetes, gradually teach him or her how to manage the condition: Although parents should always have a role in monitoring their child’s diabetes, as they get older, teens can take an increasing role in blood sugar monitoring and meal planning. Read more about symptoms of diabetes in children
Administering or tracking medications, encouraging changes to diet and activity levels, and ensuring regular monitoring as directed by a healthcare provider especially identifying any ulcers that don’t heal and reporting any changes in vision.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.
Read More About 10 Home Remedies for Diabetes
Need more information on diabetes and its related diseases? Ask Anya! Chat with Anya Bot here via Facebook and get more information on diabetes management.
Disclaimer: The above information has been prepared by a qualified medical professional and may not represent the practices followed universally. The suggestions listed in this article constitute relatively common advice given to patients, and since every patient is different, you are advised to consult your physician, if in doubt, before acting upon this information. Lupin Limited has only facilitated the distribution of this information to you in the interest of patient education and welfare.
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