Ben Bikman, PhD | Reversing Insulin Resistance | The Metabolic Link Ep.9

Mar 21, 2023

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INSIGHT

Insulin Rises Before Glucose

Insulin resistance always pairs with elevated insulin; glucose often remains normal for years while insulin rises.
Measuring insulin explains many early metabolic problems missed by glucose-only testing.

ADVICE

Test Fasting Insulin Routinely

Include fasting insulin in metabolic panels or broaden testing beyond fasting glucose to detect early insulin resistance.
Use insulin measurement to catch metabolic dysfunction long before glucose becomes abnormal.

INSIGHT

Beta‑Cell Decline Is Relative

Type 2 diabetes rarely means zero insulin; even later-stage patients retain substantially higher insulin than historical baselines.
Beta cell failure is relative and often follows long prior hyperinsulinemia.

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On this week’s episode of The Metabolic Link, Dr. Dominic D’Agostino is sitting down with world-renowned metabolic scientist, Ben Bikman, PhD, to explore the ins and outs of insulin resistance, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), and ways to manage, and even reverse, both.

In this discussion, Dr. Bikman makes a case for why testing fasting insulin should be a part of the diagnostic and treatment equation when addressing T2DM, the difference between pathological and physiological insulin resistance, and how insulin therapy affects metabolic physiology in T2DM. Dr. Bikman explains that while insulin is necessary for healthy living, it can elicit significant and harmful changes in tissue metabolic function when chronically elevated. Dr. D’Agostino and Dr. Bikman also dive into the relationship between triglycerides and insulin, and some of his latest research in the lab.

Dr. Ben Bikman has a Ph.D. in Bioenergetics and completed a postdoctoral fellowship with the Duke-National University of Singapore in metabolic disorders. His research focus is to elucidate the molecular mechanisms that mediate the disruption that causes and accompanies metabolic disorders, such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dementia. Driven by his academic training, he is currently exploring the contrasting roles of insulin and ketones as key drivers of metabolic function. He is a highly accomplished scientist with numerous publications in high impact journals and international presentations.

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!

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Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.