Dr Sarah Berry: Surprising Impact Of Eating Slowly On Gut Microbiome, Blood Sugar & Weight Loss [b7507e]

The Unsung Hero of Blood Sugar Regulation: What Insulin Does to Keep You Healthy

Insulin is a vital hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a crucial role in regulating blood sugar levels. When you eat, your body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose (sugar), which enters your bloodstream and increases blood sugar levels. To counteract this increase, insulin is released from the pancreas to facilitate glucose uptake by cells throughout the body.

Breaking Down Insulin's Role

Insulin works by unlocking the doors of cells for glucose entry, a process that allows glucose to be utilized as energy or stored in the liver and muscles for future use. Think of insulin as an "unlocking key" for cell membrane receptors, allowing them to absorb glucose and maintain stable blood sugar levels.

The Insulin Sensitivity Paradox

Interestingly, while high levels of insulin are essential during meals to rapidly lower post-meal spikes in blood sugar, chronically elevated insulin levels can contribute to the development of insulin resistance – a condition where cells become less responsive to insulin. This is particularly relevant for individuals with pre-existing health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Cushing's syndrome, or those taking certain medications.

When Insulin Resistance Strikes

When insulin sensitivity decreases, blood sugar levels tend to rise and remain elevated between meals due to decreased glucose uptake by cells. Conversely, when insulin is administered via medication for people with diabetes or impaired fasting glucose tolerance (IFG), this helps arm monitor for blood sugar mitigate excessive post-meal spikes in blood sugar by rapidly facilitating cellular uptake of excess glucose.

Dietary Influence on Insulin Response

A low glycemic index diet rich in fiber and protein has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity, while high-carbohydrate diets can exacerbate insulin resistance. Additionally, regular physical activity enhances insulin sensitivity even without changes to body weight or composition – though significant reductions may be achieved through calorie restriction.

Balancing Insulin Release with Lifestyle Adjustments

Monitoring blood glucose levels throughout the day and night (when most commonly done) using continuous glucose monitoring systems provides comprehensive insight into how dietary choices impact individualized fluctuation patterns in your daily life. When managing fluctuations, adjusting lifestyle factors like portion control or balancing meal how much does 500mg of metformin reduce blood sugar timing with snacks can help alleviate symptoms associated with elevated or low blood sugar.

Insulin's Connection to Heart Health

Elevated insulin levels are a potent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, partly due to their link with triglyceride levels in the bloodstream. Managing chronic elevations of fasting glucose through changes in daily habits will often come accompanied by improvements in HDL cholesterol and overall lipid profiles – ultimately fostering heart health benefits

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