The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman

Why Does Insulin Resistance Matter?

Jan 25, 2024

Dr. Bikman explores insulin resistance's impact on chronic diseases, connecting it to obesity and type two diabetes. He discusses the effects on muscle tissue, liver, and alpha cells of the pancreas, highlighting disruptions in glucose metabolism. The link between insulin resistance and health issues like Alzheimer's, hypertension, and infertility is examined, challenging conventional views and emphasizing the importance of addressing insulin resistance for improved health outcomes.

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INSIGHT

Two Sides of Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is a two-part problem: compromised insulin function and elevated blood insulin levels.
This is important because each part contributes differently to various diseases.

INSIGHT

Insulin Resistance Progression

Dr. Bikman believes fat cells become insulin resistant first, then muscle, liver, and pancreatic alpha cells.
He uses a domino analogy to illustrate this progression.

INSIGHT

Muscle Insulin Resistance

When muscles become insulin resistant, glucose clearance from the blood is impaired.
This makes it harder for the body to control blood sugar levels.

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The focus of Dr. Bikman’s Metabolic Classroom today is to help us all better understand, “Why does insulin resistance matter?”

This week's Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Bikman delves into insulin resistance and its impact on health. Insulin resistance, involving impaired insulin function and elevated blood insulin levels, is explored as a key factor in chronic diseases. Dr. Bikman focuses on its crucial role in connecting obesity and type two diabetes, examining its effects on muscle tissue, the liver, and pancreatic alpha cells.

The delayed diagnosis of type two diabetes, due to a focus on glucose levels, is highlighted, with Dr. Bikman discussing the ongoing debate about which tissues become insulin resistant first. The complexities of insulin resistance in fat cells, muscles, the liver, and alpha cells of the pancreas are underscored.

Insulin resistance's effects on glucose clearance in muscle tissue and disruptions in the liver's glycogen storage and glucose regulation are explained. The discussion expands to its impact on pancreatic alpha cells, contributing to elevated blood glucose levels. Dr. Bikman explores the connection between insulin resistance and various health issues, including type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, Alzheimer's, hypertension, and infertility.

In examining these health conditions, Dr. Bikman challenges conventional views and emphasizes the role of insulin resistance. For instance, Alzheimer's is linked to metabolic factors, while hypertension is connected to insulin-driven mechanisms. The discussion also covers the influence of insulin resistance on infertility, affecting both erectile dysfunction and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Dr. Bikman concludes by summarizing how insulin resistance influences these health conditions and highlights lifestyle modifications as a positive intervention. The upcoming discussion on clinically measuring insulin resistance and actionable steps is teased, urging viewers to share this knowledge for broader awareness.

Learn more at: Insulin IQ

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