Reference no: EM133297130

Question: Insulin resistance and obesity are the two most common diseases facing adults in current times. It is estimated one in three Americans are insulin resistant and as high as 88% of adults. The common assumption is insulin resistance is only a risk factor or type 2 diabetes. Research shows it is the beginning disease process that effects every system in the body leading to countless chronic health conditions and cancer. (Bikman, 2020). Obesity follows the same path of health risks leading to debilitating conditions. Both can be reversed by exercise and healthy eating.

Both health conditions can be corrected by walking daily. Rice stated walking as little as 15 minutes a day after meals curbs the rise in blood sugar which decreases insulin resistance. The effects of a walk can minimize a rise in blood sugar for up to 24 hours whereas an evening meal can keep blood sugar elevated for over 24 hours. (2018).

As we age, the importance of resistance exercise in crucial for a healthy lifestyle. The older adult loses much skeletal muscle, strength, and function due to inactivity and the aging process. Resistance training not only slows the process but can prevent both health concerns listed above. In Why We Get Sick, Bikman writes, as little as two days of resistance training a week can improve insulin sensitivity. (2020). As a patient builds muscle the muscle burns more calories than aerobic activity for a longer period.

When working with a patient it is important to start slowly with health changes as to not overwhelm them with too many tasks. I would recommend a patient start with two 15-minute walks a day. Preferable after lunch and dinner time. Once they establish a habit of walking, adding resistance training to their program twice a week. Many of the exercises can be done with just body weight so that again the patient would not be overwhelmed by special equipment. After they established this habit, adding the third walk and an additional 1-2 days of resistance training would be ideal. By this time in their program the patient will have noticed the benefits of exercise making the additions a welcome part of their program.