Firstly: What is the Insulin Hormone?

It is a hormone of a protein nature and a building hormone, consisting of about 51 amino acids distributed across two chains, linked by disulfide bonds (A, B). Chain A consists of 21 amino acids, and chain B comprises 30 amino acids. Insulin is secreted from the pancreas, specifically from beta cells in the Islets of Langerhans, and directly enters the bloodstream to influence liver cells, muscle cells, adipocytes, and other cells, where it regulates the process of carbohydrate synthesis from sugars and starches.

Secondly: What is the Function of the Insulin Hormone?

The primary function of the insulin hormone is to act in a situation where the blood sugar level rises. The pancreas secretes it, allowing glucose and sugar to enter the cells and makes the liver convert glucose to glycogen, leading to a decrease in blood glucose levels. Its other functions include:

Helping adipocytes to use and store fatty acids.

Assisting cells in utilizing amino acids and forming proteins.

Reducing protein breakdown.

Decreasing ketone formation in the liver.

Lowering the breakdown of stored fats and their release into the blood.

Aiding cells in utilizing potassium.

It also has other functions related to hormones, including PCOS cases, and is related to growth and also cancer and arteriosclerosis, hence it has a significant connection with high blood pressure.

Insulin resistance occurs when there is a malfunction in insulin receptors (receptors), which are protein molecules that do not receive insulin well. This malfunction can either be due to a low number of receptors or a lack of necessary substances and enzymes to complete the process of transferring sugar from the blood into the cell. The pancreas starts secreting a larger amount of insulin to try to overcome the resistance, a condition known as hyperinsulinemia, leading to high blood pressure development, increased soluble fats in the blood, weight gain, and after years of successful insulin production to overcome resistance, beta cells reach a state of exhaustion and fatigue. The amount of insulin starts to decrease, and conversely, blood sugar levels begin to rise, marking the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Firstly: Causes of Insulin Resistance

Genetic predisposition 50% Weight gain Lack of movement and physical activity Insulin resistance often occurs in individuals older than 35 years and weighing more than 85 kilograms, but this is not a requirement in women or girls, as insulin resistance can occur if they are under 35 years old and have PCOS. Secondly: Signs and Conditions Causing Insulin Resistance

Abdominal obesity, which can be determined in men if the waist circumference exceeds 102 centimeters and in women if it is larger than 88 centimeters.

Low testosterone levels in males.

Excessive use of certain medications, like cortisone, can cause insulin resistance, as can psychiatric medications.

Sleep problems, as those who sleep fewer hours and have long night shifts are more prone to insulin resistance.

Smokers, as smoking can be a cause of insulin resistance.

Chronic stress increases insulin resistance.

Women who have had gestational diabetes are prone to insulin resistance.

Individuals with liver steatosis.

People with high blood pressure.

Thirdly: Symptoms of Insulin Resistance

Inability to concentrate, extreme drowsiness after eating, frequent urination, increased blood pressure, constant feeling of hunger, the occurrence of abdominal gas after consuming carbohydrates, increased triglyceride levels in the blood, and dark

skin patches (Acanthosis Nigricans) around the neck area and underarms.

Fourthly: Methods of Treating Insulin Resistance

Weight loss (following a diet to lose weight).

Regular movement and especially muscle sports and loads.

Certain medications like Glucophage and Avandia help alleviate the severity of insulin resistance.

Fifthly: Suitable Programs for Treating Insulin Resistance

The best programs for treating insulin resistance are low-carbohydrate programs.

Preferable to use olive oil as it is very beneficial with insulin resistance.

Preferable to reduce milk intake because lactose increases insulin resistance.

Using green coffee has been found to be beneficial with insulin resistance.

Timing of carbohydrate intake during meals plays an important role as insulin starts secreting after 12 noon and increases more after 5 pm, increasing substantially in the evening. Consequently, as insulin concentration increases, its sugar burning decreases, leading to an increase in fat storage. Therefore, it is best to consume carbohydrates in the morning when insulin production is less.