HELP! what can i do about insulin resistance??

i'm 18 years old. i haven't been to the doctor in years but i've done a lot of self-studying and i think i may have insulin resistance. i'm very overweight and i always crave carbs. i would like to see if i can improve it by myself naturally. i don't want to go on medications if it's not necessary. does anyone have any advice for me? thanks =)

i also have a family history of diabetes, high blood pressure, and liver problems if that helps any

First and foremost, I cannot stress this enough. GET BACK TO THE DOCTORS! I did the same thing and believe me I could have avoided alot of complications if i had seen my doctor regularly. Tell your doctor that you do not want to be on meds if you don't have to be. Self study will not tell you if you are headed for complications, only regular tests from your doctor will do that. See a dietician and have them design a weight loss diet for you to follow. Where I live, there is a hospital run gym (It's in a physical rehab facility owned by the local hospital, is supervised by licensed physical therapists, but seems more like a gym membership) that with a prescription from the doctor can help with a exercise program for diabetics. Maybe there is something like that where you are. Ask your doctor what the best exercise program for you might be.

I also started adding some Cinnamon to my diet. Inform your doctor and dietition before doing this. I did have a rapid drop in blood sugar when I did this. (by the way, your cravings for carbs are probably a reaction to high blood sugar. When my sugar came down, my carb cravings went away) I was surprised how quickly that worked. Again, not a good idea to do this without anyone knowing. If you live with someone, let them know you are doing that in case you have a problem with severe low sugar.

See your doctor, do not try to take on diabetes by yourself. This disease does not play by any set of rules. You cannot win a battle with it without a doctors help. You absolutely have to have labratory tests, as well as home testing to keep it under control.

Thank you for the best answer vote.

When I wrote my answer, I was assuming that you were already diagnosed with diabetes. Now that I have reread your question, I see you never did say you were a diabetic. I'm glad your gonna go find out. Thanks again. Report It

You're heading down a nasty road, my friend. I've done a ton of research on this and here are a few of my results:
http://www.geocities.com/seabulls69/Type...
http://www.sciencentral.com/articles/vie...
http://www.geocities.com/seabulls69/weig...
http://www.drmcdougall.com/misc/2007othe...

Remember this... you can't know too much when it comes to your health. Learn to eat wisely. Get in the habit of exercising regularly if not daily. Keep your weight down, and read, read, read.

Two things. Diet and exercise. It's not proven that diabetes can be prevented, but at the very least if you live as if you had diabetes, then at least if/when you get it it won't do much damage. Cut down on carbs--like a low-carb diet, but you don't have to go that far. And get some exercise, like walking half an hour a day.

You might get yourself a blood glucose meter. They're really cheap, like $10 on EBay. The test strips cost some money but your insurance might pay for them. Only testing your blood sugar will tell you how well you're doing. It's painless and quick. If you know someone who is diabetic he will have a meter and would probably be happy to test you once in a while.

I'm actually going through the same problem right now, the difference is that I'm 26. What is motivating me is the fact that I don't want the insuln resistance to turn into full blown diabetes. The best advice I can offer you from what I'm doing is to watch what you eat, drink a lot of water, cut back on sodas and juices. Watch you calorie intake. What also motivates me when I want something sweet and I have already reach my sugar goal for the day (example: I've already had cookies or a candy bar or a soda), and I want more, then I think about the doctor telling me I have diabetes and I'm going to now have to start taking insuln. Good luck to you and you're young so please start now.

Don't be like me and be afraid of metformin if ur doc prescribes it----it helped me to lose weight and yes I was insulin resistent 3yrs ago for sure and probobly longer. Be pro-active get that ac1 test at your doc office. Then if your resistent ask for a glucose meter and take your docs advise.

Eat lean meat, vegetables & whole grain carbs.
Eat No sugar and don't eat before bed.

that is why with the histroy you needt o get to doctor and have him help you figure this out.