How to Treat Pre Diabetic Insulin Resistance Naturally

Print this article

Insulin resistance is a pre-diabetic condition that occurs when the body produces insulin, but uses it inefficiently. This leads to weight gain in the short term and eventually progresses to Type 2 Diabetes if not addressed. Insulin resistance is a feature of PCOS and Metabolic Syndrome as well as being a precursor to Type 2 Diabetes. Weight loss can be difficult as the abnormal insulin response of insulin resistance readily turns sugar into fat, meaning the maxim 'calories in, calories out' does not always apply. Prescription medications such as Metformin are often used to improve insulin response, but have unpleasant side effects. However, there are several natural remedies that medical studies have found effective in controlling blood sugar level. With your doctor's approval, you may be able to avoid not just diabetes, but the expense and hassle of diabetic supplies.

Instructions

- 1
  
  Take cinnamon, which has been proven in medical studies to lower blood sugar. It is available in capsules and the effective dose is between 1 and 6 grams. Within 40 days, expect to see glucose levels down by 18-29%, triglycerides reduced by 23-30%, and LDL (the 'bad' cholesterol) decreased by 12-26%. Cinnamon is considered safe, but coumarin a component of cinnamon can sometimes have toxic effects on the liver and the kidneys. Also, if you are concerned about your A1C numbers, cinnamon doesn't appear to lower the A1C number.
- 2
  
  Take Alpha Lipoic Acid, which is a powerful antioxidant that helps the body turn glucose into energy. Widely used in Europe to treat diabetes, Alpha Lipoic Acid supplementation helps reduce glucose levels and has been shown to improve symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. The effective dose is a 600mg supplement once a day. Alpha Lipoic Acid has some side effects including; headache, tingling, rash, and muscle cramps. In people already taking medication to control their blood sugar level, Alpha Lipoic Acid can induce low blood sugar. It may also interact with thyroid medication, so before supplementing with Alpha Lipoic Acid, check with a doctor.
- 3
  
  Take Chromium Picolinate, which has been proven in studies around the world to improve blood sugar level as well as the A1C numbers that are the gold standard of diabetic control. The effective dose ranges from 200mcg to 1000mcgs and depends on the severity of the insulin resistance or diabetes. Study participants took 500mgs twice a day, in the morning and at night. Expect to see insulin resistance reduced by 40% with 4 months of Chromium Piconlinate supplementation. There are no known side effects and Chromium Picolinate is considered safe, although it's always best to check with a doctor before taking any medication.
- 4
  
  Use Apple Cider Vinegar, which has shown to lower blood sugar levels. In studies, participants who ingest Apple Cider Vinegar prior to a meal reduced their body's insulin response by 34%. The suggested dose is 2 tablespoons at night or 2-3 teaspoons over the course of a day. Look for organic Apple Cider Vinegar with the 'mother'. Avoid Apple Cider Capsules as studies have shown they do not always contain the amount of vinegar advertised. The vinegar may be sweetened with honey or diluted with water to make it more palatable. Side effects of Apple Cider Vinegar include; reducing potassium levels, irritating the throat, indigestion, and it may wear off tooth enamel. It should also be noted the studies to date have been very small and future studies may yield different results or recommendations.