How to improve insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 47 and was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes last year. My A1C was 8.1, and now it is 7.3 with Metformin and diet changes. I am trying hard, but I still get sugar spikes sometimes. Can you explain in simple terms how insulin resistance works and how I can improve it naturally? Also, when should someone consider a second medication like a GLP-1? I want to manage this as best I can and avoid complications like eye or kidney damage later on.

Kindly suggest.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

I will try to explain everything in a simple way that you will understand completely. Think of insulin as a key that opens the doors to your body’s cells, allowing glucose from your bloodstream to enter the cells and use this glucose for energy.

At insulin resistance, your body makes insulin, but the cells do not respond properly to insulin, like the key is not working well. So, that leads to sugar staying in your blood instead of entering the cells, and the level goes up.

And regarding insulin sensitivity improvement, regular exercise is the most powerful tool; it will help your body to shift glucose from the blood to cells. So, try 30 minutes per day, five days a week, walking, biking, swimming, or strength training. Because muscles use more glucose during and after activity, it will lower your blood glucose level.

1. Manage stress because chronic stress releases cortisol, which leads to a raised blood sugar level.

2. Regarding GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide), your HbA1C (acylated hemoglobin) has already improved to 7.3 percent, which is great. But if your HbA1C remains above seven percent, despite six months of a healthy lifestyle plus Metformin, or you have sugar spikes, weight gain, or early signs of complications, then you can start GLP-1. So, for now, keep using Metformin, do regular exercise, and be happy.

We can discuss your future treatment plan if needed.

I hope this information will help you.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.

Thank you.