Insulin resistance: Beware of this condition seen in people aged 40-50!

Stating that in recent years, unhealthy eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle have led to an increase in body fat tissue, and that harmful chemical substances secreted from this fat impair the effect of the insulin hormone, which regulates blood sugar levels, and lead to insulin resistance, Prof. Dr. Ender Arıkan said, “Insulin resistance, which is a very serious health problem, paves the way for life-threatening diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases if left untreated. In insulin resistance syndrome, drug treatment must be supported by lifestyle changes.”

Stating that the consumption of processed foods, fatty and sugary products, and carbohydrates is constantly increasing today, and that this can lead to serious health problems, Prof. Dr. Ender Arıkan says, “Research shows that the Mediterranean diet, that is, a diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and salads, is the healthiest way of eating. Nutrition must return to a Mediterranean style.”

The sedentary lifestyle, which is becoming increasingly common in the modern age, invites many diseases. Doing sports at a certain pace daily keeps the metabolism active. Emphasizing that a brisk walk of 30 to 45 minutes should be taken at least 5 days a week against insulin resistance syndrome, Prof. Dr. Arıkan says, “Although walking is a type of exercise that every age group can easily do, one must focus on its benefits and make an effort to make it a habit.”

Emphasizing that excessive salt consumption, which is very common in our country, negatively affects the metabolism by both stimulating insulin resistance and increasing appetite, Prof. Dr. Ender Arıkan continues his words as follows: “A large portion of hypertension patients are also sensitive to salt. Considering that our daily salt consumption is almost 4-5 times our need, it is clearly seen that reducing salt will lead to very positive results.”

Sleep must be evaluated and regulated in terms of its period, duration, depth, and quality. Stating that being awake between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM causes an increase in insulin levels along with increased stress hormones, Prof. Dr. Arıkan says, “Quality sleep should be a sleep that lasts between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM, reaches a certain depth, and where our biological rhythms are fully established. The presence of hypopnea or apnea, which prevents healthy sleep, should also be investigated.”

Stress, anxiety, and anxiety disorders, which have become a part of almost everyone's life under today's conditions, increase insulin resistance in the body, and if the increase is constant, it threatens the person in terms of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and diabetes. For this reason, it is necessary to learn to manage stress and not avoid seeking expert support if necessary.

Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Ender Arıkan says, “Studies reveal that excess weight causes resistance to insulin in the body, and that having a waist circumference of over 80 cm in women and 94 cm in men leads to insulin resistance, subsequently inviting an increase in diabetes and cardiovascular diseases.”