LessWrong (30+ Karma) “Insulin Resistance and Glycemic Index” by lsusr
Dec 1, 2025
The discussion dives into the impact of modern carbohydrate-heavy diets on insulin resistance. Blood glucose plays a critical role, but too much can cause serious health issues. High glycemic index foods contribute to rapid spikes in hunger and overeating. Historical diets, which had lower glycemic loads, contrast sharply with today's processed options. The conversation also highlights lifestyle contributors like stress and urban planning, linking metabolic dysfunction to our modern environment.
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How Insulin Regulates Blood Sugar
- Insulin controls blood glucose by signaling cells to absorb glucose after meals.
- Repeated high spikes of glucose from fast-digesting foods cause receptor desensitization and insulin resistance.
High-GI Foods Drive Hunger And Resistance
- Foods with high glycemic index release glucose quickly and provoke large insulin spikes.
- Those spikes can drive hunger, caloric surplus, obesity, and progressive insulin resistance.
Avoid Highly Processed High-GI Foods
- Avoid frequent consumption of modern, highly processed high-GI foods like white rice, modern flour products, and sugary drinks.
- Favor slower-digested foods (eg. legumes) to prevent large glucose and insulin spikes.