Medicine for insulin resistance
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Therapeutic Approaches to Insulin Resistance
Introduction to Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance is a condition where the body's cells become less responsive to insulin, leading to impaired glucose uptake and increased blood sugar levels. This condition is a precursor to type 2 diabetes and is associated with various metabolic disorders, including obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular diseases1 2 6.
Herbal Medicines for Insulin Resistance
Herbal medicines have shown promise in improving insulin sensitivity. Clinical trials and studies have indicated that herbs and their extracts can target various components of the insulin signaling pathway, such as insulin receptor substrate and glucose transporters. These interventions can enhance insulin action and reduce insulin resistance1. However, the methodological flaws in these studies necessitate further rigorous research to confirm these findings1.
Pharmacological Treatments: Metformin and Thiazolidinediones
Pharmacotherapy remains a cornerstone in managing insulin resistance. Metformin, a biguanide, is widely used to improve insulin sensitivity indirectly by reducing hepatic glucose production7. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), such as pioglitazone and rosiglitazone, directly enhance insulin sensitivity by activating peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), which regulate gene expression involved in glucose and lipid metabolism3 4 7. These drugs have been effective in reducing insulin resistance and improving glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients4.
Nutraceuticals and Dietary Interventions
Dietary anthocyanins, found in various fruits and vegetables, have been identified as potential insulin sensitizers. These compounds can improve insulin sensitivity through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms, targeting specific signal transduction pathways5. Additionally, lifestyle modifications, including diet and exercise, are fundamental in managing insulin resistance and improving overall metabolic health2 6.
Acupuncture and Alternative Therapies
Acupuncture has been explored as an alternative treatment for insulin resistance. Experimental studies suggest that acupuncture can correct metabolic disorders such as hyperglycemia and inflammation, which contribute to insulin resistance. Although clinical evidence is limited, acupuncture shows potential in improving insulin sensitivity and warrants further investigation9.
Antioxidants in Insulin Resistance Management
Oxidative stress is a significant factor in the development of insulin resistance. Antioxidants have been proposed as a therapeutic approach to mitigate oxidative stress and improve insulin sensitivity. Clinical trials have shown that antioxidants can reduce inflammation and lipid oversupply, which are root causes of insulin resistance10.
Conclusion
Insulin resistance is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors. Effective management requires a multifaceted approach, including pharmacological treatments like metformin and TZDs, herbal medicines, dietary interventions, and alternative therapies such as acupuncture. Further research is essential to validate these treatments and develop comprehensive strategies to combat insulin resistance and its associated metabolic disorders.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Therapeutic Mechanisms of Herbal Medicines Against Insulin Resistance: A Review
Herbal medicine shows potential in improving insulin resistance by targeting various aspects of the insulin signaling pathway, offering potential for treating type 2 diabetes and metabolic diseases.
Literature ReviewTreatment of insulin resistance in diabetes mellitus.
Lifestyle modification, weight loss, and medications can help treat insulin resistance and its associated abnormalities.
Highly CitedTherapeutic approaches to insulin resistance
Insulin-sensitising pharmacotherapy, including TZDs and PPAR ligands, has the potential to delay or prevent cardiovascular and diabetic disease progression in insulin resistant individuals.
Thiazolidinediones in the Treatment of Insulin Resistance and Type II Diabetes
Thiazolidinediones show potential as a safe and effective treatment for insulin resistance and type II diabetes by increasing glucose disposal and reducing hepatic glucose output.
Highly CitedDietary Anthocyanins and Insulin Resistance: When Food Becomes a Medicine
Dietary anthocyanins show potential health benefits by improving insulin sensitivity through various mechanisms, including targeting specific receptors and promoting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedThe crucial role and mechanism of insulin resistance in metabolic disease
Insulin resistance contributes to the development of metabolic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, tumors, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, with treatments mainly focusing on exercise, dietary habits, and chemotherapy.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedInsulin resistance: from predisposing factor to therapeutic target in type 2 diabetes.
Insulin-sensitizing agents like metformin, pioglitazone, and rosiglitazone may improve cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes patients by directly reducing insulin resistance.
Systematic ReviewInsulin Resistance: From Mechanisms to Therapeutic Strategies
Insulin resistance is linked to ectopic lipid accumulation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and inflammation, and potential therapeutic strategies include addressing these mechanisms and promoting glucose metabolism.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedAcupuncture: is it effective for treatment of insulin resistance?
Acupuncture shows potential in improving insulin sensitivity and addressing metabolic disorders linked to insulin resistance, but more well-designed clinical randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedAntioxidants: do they have a role in the treatment of insulin resistance?
Antioxidants show potential in treating insulin resistance, as they may reduce lipid oversupply, chronic inflammation, and oxidative stress, potentially benefiting patients with limited financial resources.
Literature ReviewHighly Cited