

The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman
Insulin IQ
Welcome to The Metabolic Classroom, a nutrition and lifestyle podcast focused on metabolism, which is how our bodies use energy, and the truth behind why we get sick and fat. Every week, Dr. Ben Bikman shares valuable insights that you can apply in your own life and share with friends and loved ones. The Metabolic Classroom is brought to you by BenBikman.com and InsulinIQ.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 11, 2021 • 30min
Diving Into Diabetes Drugs
Some of the most common diabetes drugs work in interesting ways. Let’s talk about some of the most common: SGLT inhibitors and GLP-1 receptor agonists.Here are the resources that Ben references during the episode:Study #1 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24917578/Study #2 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30240793/Study #3 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32827151/Learn more at Insulin IQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jun 4, 2021 • 58min
The Truth About Cholesterol
Dr. Bret Scher, a board-certified cardiologist and lipidologist, joins the conversation to unravel the misconceptions about cholesterol. He clarifies the distinctions between 'good' and 'bad' cholesterol, urging listeners to rethink traditional metrics and lifestyle choices. The discussion highlights the significance of individualized approaches to heart health, the limited impact of dietary cholesterol, and the importance of understanding lipoproteins. Scher also touches on the challenges of integrating lifestyle changes in medicine, emphasizing support systems for effective behavior modification.

May 28, 2021 • 50min
Diving Deep Into Diabetes
Exploring the unique characteristics and connections between type 1 and type 2 diabetes, understanding the role of insulin in diabetes, discussing MODY and low carb diets, insulin pumps and ketogenic diets in pregnancy, insulin levels and A1C measurements for diabetes management, the honeymoon phase in type 1 diabetes, and diet impact on insulin requirements.

May 21, 2021 • 54min
Metformin: The Magic & Misery
Discover the ins and outs of metformin, the go-to diabetes drug, including how it works and its surprising risks. Learn about its dual role in enhancing insulin sensitivity while potentially causing nutrient deficiencies. Delve into the myths surrounding metformin's impact on muscle growth and longevity, and find out why lifestyle changes may be more effective than medication alone. Explore its effects on breastfeeding women and how personal empowerment is key to managing insulin resistance.

May 18, 2021 • 29min
Decoding the Dawn Phenomenon
A spike in glucose levels each morning can be startling, but it doesn’t need to be scary. To understand the dawn phenomenon, you need to understand hormones.Here are the resources that Ben references during the episode:Study #1 - https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/nejm198811103191901Study #2 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6389230/Study #3 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2859524/Study #4 - https://diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/content/45/8/1044Learn more at Insulin IQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 14, 2021 • 46min
The Metabolic Side of Stress
Stress is an essential part of being human—we need a stress response. However, when stress is turned on indefinitely, metabolic health suffers.Learn more at Insulin IQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 11, 2021 • 46min
Estrogen and Fat Storage
The podcast delves into how estrogen influences fat storage in women's bodies, debunking myths about weight gain. It explores the connections between weight, insulin levels, estrogen production, and overall health outcomes in women. Additionally, it discusses the benefits of reducing carbohydrates and insulin for effective weight management, as well as embracing aging gracefully and celebrating the body's natural aging process.

May 7, 2021 • 30min
Leptin 101
We all know about leptin’s effects on hunger, but it’s involved in so much more. Let’s learn about this metabolic heavyweight.Learn more at Insulin IQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

May 4, 2021 • 25min
Fiber: Friend or Foe?
Dietary fiber enjoys a lofty position in the hallowed halls of dietary advice, but the truth is more complicated. Whether fiber is helpful or harmful depends on other factors.Here are the resources that Ben references during the episode:Study #1 - https://academic.oup.com/ajcn/article-abstract/59/6/1386/4715907Study #2 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6259919/Study #3 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3435786/Learn more at Insulin IQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Apr 30, 2021 • 52min
Insulin Resistance and Cognition
Explore the impact of insulin resistance on brain energy and cognition, with a focus on Alzheimer's disease research. Discover the link between insulin resistance, glucose metabolism, and cognition in Alzheimer's. Learn about reversing insulin resistance with ceramides and a low-carb diet. Understand the role of APO-E4 genotype and insulin resistance in Alzheimer's risk. Delve into the diverse audience of the podcast and making complex topics accessible for all listeners.


