The last several years have seen a growing awareness of what insulin resistance is and how it affects the body. Insulin resistance causes various reactions throughout the body. In fatty tissue, it causes the breakdown of triglycerides, which leads to elevated fat levels in the blood. In the liver, insulin resistance prevents proper glucose storage, leaving more glucose to circulate in the bloodstream. And in muscle tissue, insulin resistance reduces glucose uptake, again causing higher blood glucose levels.

The causes of insulin resistance have generally remained a mystery, with possible culprits being obesity, a high-carbohydrate diet, a sedentary lifestyle, overuse of sugar or high-fructose corn syrup, and possibly even the use of glucosamine.ⁱ Now, scientists are discovering that genetics may play a role in insulin resistance, too—for the better.

In a study from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, two genes have been identified that may be linked to insulin resistance.ⁱⁱ These genes, NR4A3 and NR4A1, are proteins that seem to affect muscle tissue by boosting its sensitivity to insulin. Raising insulin sensitivity leads to better glucose uptake, which means that blood glucose levels decrease as a result. According to Dr. Timothy Garvey, MD, the lead author of the study, this discovery gives scientists something to aim for in ongoing diabetes research. Garvey notes that people who have more of the two proteins are at less risk for diabetes, while people with fewer of the proteins are at greater risk.ⁱⁱⁱ He proposes that if scientists can develop a way to increase the activity or presence of the two proteins, these new developments could have very positive effects for people with diabetes.

In the meantime, people with diabetes or who are pre-diabetic are encouraged to follow treatment courses that are already known improve insulin resistance. At the top of the list are exercise and weight loss. Modifying the diet may also help some people, with low-carbohydrate and low-glycemic foods being the recommended choices. Other treatments that may improve insulin resistance are the use of metformin and thiazolidinediones, omega-3 fatty acids, and possibly chromium picolinate. As with any course of treatment, consult your physician before beginning any new regimen.

American Diabetes Wholesale carries many products and supplies to help you with your daily insulin needs.

UltiGuard UltiCare Syringes
UltiGuard Syringes are some of the finest syringes available on the market today. American Diabetes Wholesale offers nearly two dozen varieties of UltiGuard syringes for adults, children, and pets. The UltiGuard UltiCare U-100 insulin syringe is available in gauges ranging from 29 to 31 and is very easy to use. This all-in-one syringe is tamperproof and ready to use. It also comes with its own sharps container for safe disposal.

Smith-Nephew No-Sting Skin Prep Protective Wipes
For anyone who uses surgical tape or other adhesives as part of their diabetic routine, try Smith-Nephew No-Sting Skin Prep Protective Wipes. These non-irritating wipes reduce both friction and tape stripping, to keep diabetic appliances securely and comfortably in place. Each box contains 50 wipes.

Ezy-Dose Preloaded Syringe Carrying Case
The Ezy-Dose Preloaded Syringe Carrying Case is both discrete and portable. Carry it in your pocket or purse securely; its special design ensures that your pre-drawn syringe will maintain its pre-set position. The Ezy-Dose Preloaded Syringe Carrying Case can be used with U-100 syringes from B-D, E-Z JECT, PharmaPlast, or Terumo.

Medi-Fridge Micro Refrigerator
The Medi-Fridge Micro Refrigerator offers secure refrigeration for your diabetic insulin, Byetta, and other injectable medications. This compact unit refrigerates up to three standard insulin vials (10 ml) or one injectable medicine pen. The Medi-Fridge Micro Refrigerator weighs in at only one pound, six ounces, making it easy to carry along on business trips or vacations. It even comes equipped with a worldwide power cord (UL-certified, 110-240 volts) and an auto-socket power cord (12 volts DC).

Insulin
Naturally, America Diabetes Wholesale offers high-quality insulin on our website. One product we carry is Humulin 70/30 by Lilly. This synthesized insulin lasts for up to 24 hours after injection, depending on a variety of factors. Humulin 70/30 combines 70% human insulin isophane suspension with 30% human insulin injection, and is for use in subcutaneous regions only. Also on our website are insulins formulated by Novo-Nordisk, such as the Novilin-N Insulin U-100. This NPH, human insulin isophane suspension is for use with U-100 syringes only. It should be stored in a cold place and carefully shaken before each use. For all insulin products, American Diabetes Wholesale recommends 2-Day or Next Day shipment to ensure that your medication arrives in the freshest condition possible.

Hearty Macaroni Salad

Serves: 8

Nutritional Analysis:
One 3/4 cup serving (prepared with chicken, reduced-fat cheese and nonfat sour cream and without salt) equals: 188 calories, 136 mg sodium, 49 mg cholesterol, 14 gm carbohydrate, 12 gm protein, 9 gm fat

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cubed cooked ham or chicken
• 4 cups cooked elbow macaroni
• 1 cup frozen cooked small shrimp, thawed
• 1 celery rib, chopped
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 1/4 cup chopped green pepper
• 1/4 cup chopped sweet red pepper
• 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese

• 1/3 cup sour cream
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 4 teaspoons vinegar
• 1 teaspoon snipped fresh dill or 1/4 teaspoon dill weed
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon sugar

1. Combine all ingredients until blended. Pour over salad and toss to coat.
2. Cover and chill for several hours before serving.

Source: www.RecipeGoldmine.com