{"id":151155,"date":"2025-03-30T07:58:57","date_gmt":"2025-03-30T07:58:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/?p=151155"},"modified":"2025-03-30T08:00:09","modified_gmt":"2025-03-30T08:00:09","slug":"diabetes-an-insulin-resistant-malady-by-dr-harold-gunatillake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/websitedesigns.com.au\/elankanew\/diabetes-an-insulin-resistant-malady-by-dr-harold-gunatillake\/","title":{"rendered":"Diabetes: An Insulin-Resistant Malady – By Dr Harold Gunatillake"},"content":{"rendered":"

Diabetes: An Insulin-Resistant Malady – By Dr Harold Gunatillake<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Dr<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Understanding the True Nature and Effective Treatment Approaches Hello my Readers, In Sri Lanka, there is a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes.<\/span><\/p>\n

A 2019 national survey revealed that almost one in four Sri Lankan adults (23%) had diabetes, and another one in three (31%) had high blood sugar levels.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are many undiagnosed diabetic cases, especially in rural areas, since most people are not health conscious. Those who are diagnosed often prefer Ayurvedic treatment over proper, scientifically proven Western methods.<\/span><\/p>\n

A significant portion (38%) of those with diabetes in Sri Lanka remain undiagnosed.<\/span><\/p>\n

The prevalence of pre-diabetes is also high, with a pooled pre- diabetes prevalence of 15.57%.<\/span><\/p>\n

Studies have shown that the prevalence of type 2 diabetes was highest in the Northern province, followed by the Southern, North- Central, and Central provinces.<\/span><\/p>\n

The prevalence of diabetes is higher in urban areas compared to rural areas, possibly due to commuting by public transport to work and engaging in sedentary office jobs. In contrast, rural populations often walk extensively and work hard as farmers or in other agricultural pursuits.<\/span><\/p>\n

It has been observed that the prevalence of diabetes correlates positively with Body Mass Index (BMI), exhibiting lower rates among individuals classified as underweight and higher rates among those considered overweight and obese.<\/span><\/p>\n

A clear upward trend in the prevalence of diabetes mellitus is becoming a significant issue in Sri Lanka. It was once considered a disease of the wealthy, but the situation appears different today.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Management<\/p>\n

Management discussion with a patient at the Diabetic Association, Rajagiriya, Colombo, Sri Lanka<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Diabetes is a complex condition that impacts millions of lives around the globe. While symptoms like high blood sugar levels have typically identified it, emerging research shows that it’s more fitting to think of diabetes as an issue of insulin resistance. By viewing it this way, we may discover more effective treatment approaches that address the underlying causes rather than merely managing the symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n

Let us understand the concept of insulin resistance.<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Insulin resistance is a condition in which the body’s cells become less responsive to the hormone insulin, which is essential for regulating blood sugar levels. When cells are resistant to insulin, the pancreas produces more of the hormone to compensate.<\/span><\/p>\n

Over time, this can lead to elevated blood sugar levels and, eventually, type 2 diabetes. Insulin resistance is also a common feature of other metabolic disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).<\/span><\/p>\n

Let me reiterate that in type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin, a hormone that helps glucose (sugar) enter cells for energy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Pancreas’s Initial Response:<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Initially, the pancreas compensates by producing more insulin to overcome this resistance.<\/span><\/p>\n

Gradual Decline:<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

However, over time, the pancreas can’t keep up with the increased demand, and insulin production and secretion progressively decline, leading to hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar).<\/span><\/p>\n

This article is all about the Importance of addressing the Root Cause.<\/span><\/p>\n

Current treatment approaches for diabetes, particularly type 2 diabetes, primarily focus on managing hyperglycaemia through medications. While these treatments can help control blood sugar levels, they often do not address the underlying<\/strong> issue<\/strong> of<\/strong> insulin <\/strong><\/span>resistance.<\/strong> By shifting the focus to treating the root cause, healthcare providers can help patients achieve better long-term outcomes and potentially reduce their reliance on medications.<\/span><\/p>\n

Lifestyle Changes as a Key Strategy<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n

Lifestyle modifications are crucial in addressing insulin resistance and managing diabetes more effectively. These changes include:<\/span><\/p>\n