The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman

Delve into the fascinating world of fat tissue as a complex endocrine organ, not just a simple energy reserve. Discover how the enzyme lipoprotein lipase is influenced by insulin, exercise, and hormones, impacting where fat is stored in our bodies. Learn about gender-specific patterns, with men storing fat around the abdomen and women in subcutaneous areas. Aging brings its own changes in fat distribution, especially post-menopause. This enlightening conversation reveals how our understanding of fat can transform our approach to health.

Dr. Bikman discusses the evolution and storage of fat tissue, debunking myths and emphasizing its importance in survival and brain growth. He explores different types of fat, such as subcutaneous and visceral, and their impact on metabolic health. The lecture also covers genetic and environmental factors influencing fat storage, including insulin, diet, and environmental chemicals.

Dive into the world of cardiometabolic drugs that target heart disease, a leading cause of death. Discover the complexities of blood pressure regulation, comparing it to a balloon that can burst under pressure. Learn about the various classes of antihypertensive medications and their potential effects on insulin resistance. The podcast also challenges the common perceptions of cholesterol, proposing that it might not be the villain it's made out to be, and suggests a surprising link between higher cholesterol levels and longevity.

In today's lecture, Dr. Bikman guides his audience through a comprehensive exploration of anti-diabetic drugs, shedding light on their mechanisms, implications, and the broader context of diabetes management. Kicking off the discussion, Dr. Bikman elucidated the prevalent glucose-centric paradigm in understanding diabetes, emphasizing its limitations, particularly in discerning the nuanced differences between type 1 and type 2 diabetes. He underscored the pivotal role of insulin deficiency in type 1 and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes, setting the stage for a deeper dive into the intricacies of anti-diabetic medications.The lecture commenced with an in-depth analysis of metformin, a cornerstone in diabetes treatment known for its efficacy in improving insulin sensitivity. Despite its widespread use, Dr. Bikman elucidated the persistent ambiguity surrounding metformin's cellular mechanisms, particularly concerning its impact on mitochondrial function. While acknowledging its beneficial effects, such as reducing hepatic glucose production, Dr. Bikman also highlighted the drug's gastrointestinal side effects and its potential to blunt mitochondrial adaptations to exercise.Transitioning to insulin therapy, Dr. Bikman delineated its indispensable role in type 1 diabetes management but cautioned against its potential risks in type 2 diabetes, including weight gain and heightened cardiovascular, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease risks. He delved into the nuances of insulin secretagogues and thiazolidinediones, discussing their mechanisms and associated complications, such as increased cardiovascular risk and adverse effects on adipogenesis.Further, Dr. Bikman explored GLP-1 agonists and SGLT2 inhibitors, elucidating their mechanisms of action and potential side effects, including an elevated risk of urinary tract infections with SGLT2 inhibitors and heightened ketogenesis. Before concluding, he briefly touched on amylin analogs, adding another dimension to the multifaceted landscape of anti-diabetic medications.Dr. Bikman's lecture provided a comprehensive understanding of anti-diabetic drugs, transcending the traditional glucose-centric perspective and highlighting the complexities inherent in diabetes management. By navigating through the intricate mechanisms and implications of these medications, he empowered his audience with invaluable insights to navigate the complexities of diabetes treatment effectively.#insulinresistance #metabolicsyndrome #metabolichealth #type2diabetes #type1diabetes #weightloss #intermittentfasting #intermittantfasting #fasting Learn more at: https://www.insuliniq.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In today's episode of The Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Ben Bikman delves into the fascinating topic of GLP-1, a hormone of significant interest in metabolic research. Dr. Bikman sets the stage by expanding the discussion beyond GLP-1 to include other incretions, defining them as a class of hormones produced by the small intestine. These hormones play crucial roles in nutrient metabolism, satiety, and hunger regulation.The discovery of incretions stemmed from observations following gastric bypass surgeries, where elevated levels of these hormones were found in the bloodstream, leading to improvements in diabetes. Dr. Bikman highlights GLP-1's well-known effect on insulin secretion and glucagon suppression, which contribute to its ability to rapidly correct high glucose levels and improve diabetes. However, he notes the ongoing debate regarding GLP-1's direct insulin secretagogue effect in humans, contrasting findings from cell culture and animal models with recent human studies.Moving beyond GLP-1, Dr. Bikman discusses other incretions like GIP, PYY, and cholecystokinin, outlining their roles in glucose regulation, appetite control, and digestion. He explores the pharmacological applications of GLP-1 agonists in managing diabetes and obesity, detailing various drugs and their mechanisms of action. Furthermore, he touches upon natural methods to enhance GLP-1 secretion, including dietary factors like protein, fat, and sugars. The session concludes with insights into the live Q&A session, emphasizing the dynamic interaction between science and audience participation in The Metabolic Classroom.Learn more at: https://www.insuliniq.com  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beginning with a discussion on the evolution of these medications, Dr. Bikman emphasizes their significance in combating obesity-related health issues. He proceeds to analyze the mechanisms of popular weight loss drugs, such as Orlistat, Phentermine, and the combination of Phentermine with Topiramate, elucidating how each functions to aid weight loss.While highlighting the benefits, Dr. Bikman doesn’t shy away from detailing the potential side effects, ensuring a comprehensive understanding for the audience. Moreover, he shares an intriguing scientific fact regarding lactate’s role in fat metabolism, adding depth to the discussion. Throughout, Dr. Bikman maintains a balance between scientific evidence and personal insight, fostering an engaging and informative session.In discussing liraglutide’s mechanism of action, Dr. Bikman reveals its role as a GLP-1 receptor agonist, mimicking the actions of the incretin GLP-1. He then previews next week’s class dedicated to incretins and their use in weight loss drugs, including medications like wegovy and ozempic.Liraglutide primarily promotes weight loss by reducing gastric emptying, leading to prolonged feelings of fullness and decreased appetite. Additionally, it inhibits glucagon, lowering blood glucose levels and subsequently increasing metabolic rate and fat burning. Dr. Bikman notes common side effects such as gastrointestinal discomfort and hints at potential risks of thyroid tumors associated with GLP-1 agonists.Ben transitions to discussing semaglutide, another GLP-1 receptor agonist, and its similar effects on weight loss and side effects, including the possibility of ileus. He also touches on metformin’s off-label use for weight loss, its mechanisms involving AMPK activation and ATP inhibition, and its potential interference with exercise-induced mitochondrial benefits.Learn more at: Insulin IQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The podcast delves into measuring and addressing insulin resistance, offering hope through solvable solutions. Dr. Bikman emphasizes the importance of understanding insulin's role beyond glucose regulation. Practical considerations include interpreting fasting insulin levels to assess resistance. The discussion also explores lifestyle changes to lower elevated insulin levels and strategies for enhancing insulin sensitivity and muscle health.

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.

Delve into the origins of insulin resistance, stress hormones impact, primary vs secondary causes, and indirect factors like linoleic acid. Learn about the implications of high sugar diets on glucose response and satiety, along with the challenges of managing stress and inflammation.

The podcast explores the concept of metabolic health and insulin resistance, emphasizing the balance of biochemical processes in the body. It discusses the impact of carbohydrates on fuel sources and the role of insulin in metabolic flexibility. Additionally, it identifies physical signs of insulin resistance, highlighting the importance of proactive health management.