

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

Feb 22, 2024 • 38min
Why Anti-Diabetic Drugs Usually Make Things Worse
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.

Feb 14, 2024 • 33min
What is GLP-1, What Does It Do, and Where Does It Come From?
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.

Feb 8, 2024 • 32min
Weight Loss Drugs
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.

Feb 2, 2024 • 33min
How to Measure and Fix Insulin Resistance
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.

Jan 25, 2024 • 37min
Why Does Insulin Resistance Matter?
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.

7 snips
Jan 22, 2024 • 32min
Where Does Insulin Resistance Come From?
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.

Jan 14, 2024 • 31min
Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome
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.

Aug 13, 2021 • 52min
Leaky Gut and Nutrition
Discover the ins and outs of leaky gut and its surprising links to nutrition. Uncover how foods can affect gut integrity and the role of lipopolysaccharides in fueling inflammation. Dive into the dietary dynamics of cholesterol and gut permeability, highlighting the impact of fructose and dietary fats. Learn about the hidden dangers of plant-derived toxins and the unconventional benefits of a carnivore diet. This engaging discussion serves up vital insights on how to eat mindfully for better gut health!

Aug 13, 2021 • 47min
Low Carb Eating and Kidney Health
The podcast tackles the controversial belief that low-carb diets can harm kidney health. It highlights how metabolic processes, like protein metabolism and glomerular filtration rate (GFR), are essential for understanding kidney function. Listeners learn that high protein intake may enhance kidney performance in healthy individuals. The discussion delves into the relationship between diabetes and chronic kidney disease, emphasizing personalized dietary changes. Throughout, myths are debunked while exploring how proper nutrition can support kidney health.

Jul 16, 2021 • 51min
Can a Low-Carb Diet Cause Insulin Resistance?
Many people claim that eating low-carb can actually make you insulin resistant. How can this be? The answer lies in the key difference between two types of insulin resistance; pathological versus physiological. Let's discuss what's really happening.Here is the resource that Ben references during the episode:Source #1 - https://academic.oup.com/jes/article/5/5/bvab049/6199842?login=trueLearn more at Insulin IQ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.