Low-Carb: The Role of Insulin

There are three basic units the body uses for energy:

1. Fats

2. Proteins

3. Carbohydrates

All three can be converted to blood glucose. However, while fats and proteins are converted slowly, carbohydrates are converted quickly causing quick spikes in the body's blood sugar levels. These spikes in blood sugar levels cause the pancreas to create and release insulin until the blood sugar level returns to normal.

Meanwhile, insulin, a hormone produced in the pancreas that lowers our blood's glucose levels is released into the blood as soon as the body detects that blood sugar levels have risen above its optimal level.

Insulin is a very efficient hormone that runs the body's fuel storage systems. If there is excess sugar or fat in the blood insulin will signal the body to store it in the body's fat cells. Insulin also tells these cells not to release their stored fat, making that fat unavailable for use by the body as energy.

Since this stored fat cannot be released for use as energy, insulin very effectively prevents weight loss. The higher the body's insulin levels, the more effectively it prevents fat cells from releasing their stores, and the harder it becomes to lose weight. According to many authorities, over the long term, high insulin levels can lead to insulin resistance and cause serious health problems like the ones listed below:

1. Raised insulin levels and insulin resistance

2. Lower metabolism leading to weight gain

3. An increase in fatty tissue and reduction in muscle tissue

4. Accelerated aging

5. Increased food allergies and intolerances

6. Overworked immune system

7. Increased risk of heart disease, obesity, diabetes and cancer

Carbohydrates, especially simple carbs like sugar and starch, are quickly turned into sucrose by the body entering the blood stream quicker thereby causing the release of large amounts of insulin. The fewer carbs are eaten, the less insulin is produced by the body, and the fewer calories are stored as fat. Less fat storage equals less weight gain and fewer carbs eaten equals less insulin in the blood and the body using its fat stores for fuel.

The premise behind every low-carb diet plan is that a body that produces less insulin burns more fat than a body that produces lots of insulin. Some plans encourage a period of extremely low carbohydrate intake so that the body will enter a state of ketosis and more quickly burn fat stores - These are usually called induction periods.

Beverley Brooke, Editor of Health & Finesse - Free health, diet and fitness articles and weekly newsletters

---

Diabetes, A Bad Omen Or A Fresh Start?

So you've learned that you've got diabetes. Well after the... Read More

Protein Principles for Diabetes

Dietary considerations can present a Hobson's choice in diabetes. Even... Read More

Exercising for Diabetes Sufferers

Exercise is often recommended in treating type 1 (insulin- dependent)... Read More

Can We Do More for Diabetics? New Research Suggests that We Can

Diabetes can briefly be defined as a state when the... Read More

Do You Have Diabetes? Symptoms Of Diabetes And How To Address Them

Diabetes mellitus is a condition resulting from the pancreas' inability... Read More

Have Diabetes, But Enjoy Quality Food? Try Diabetic Recipes!

Having diabetes certainly limits some of the food you can... Read More

Insulin Resistance And Complex Carbohydrates

One of the biggest mistakes that weight loss failures make... Read More

Diabetes - A National Epidemic

Are you a diabetic? If so, you are definitely not... Read More

Diabetes is Manageable

It is estimated that over 18 million people over the... Read More

Hyperglycemia, Diabetes, and Managing Blood Sugar

So, after a miserable 10 hours of blood tests it's... Read More

Diabetes Awareness: Family of Diabetics

Thousands, if not millions of people have diabetes in their... Read More

Living with Diabetes and Celiac Disease

Living with multiple health problems can complicate things. As a... Read More

Diabetes and Glyconutrients

Today, most people with diabetes are only treating the symptoms.... Read More

Diabetic Fruits

Fruit gives you energy, vitamins, minerals, and fiber.Examples of fruits... Read More

Diabetes and Fitness

There are two main types of diabetes, type I and... Read More

Recognizing Early Symptoms Diabetes

Early symptoms diabetesStay alert in recognizing early symptoms of diabetes.... Read More

Diabetes

Meal planning includes choosing healthy foods, eating the right amount... Read More

Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes

Diabetes affects the manner in which the body handles digested... Read More

Pre-Diabetes Awareness: Gamblers Understand the Odds

Do you gamble? Play Texas Hold'em poker, casino games, or... Read More

Discover the Positive Effects of Exercise for Diabetes Sufferers

There are two main types of diabetes, type I and... Read More

Becoming a Diabetes Expert

I am a diabetes expert. No I'm not a doctor... Read More

How Do You Know If You Have Diabetes?

Diabetes mellitus is a disorder characterized by the inability of... Read More

Diabetic Foot Care Tips: Cant Afford to Ignore It!

Most of the time, we focus on health or skin... Read More

Diabetes and Exercise - Just Move it!

While exercise and eating guidelines are based on good scientific... Read More

Favorite Desserts For A Diabetic Husband

It's easier than you think to create delicious desserts for... Read More

Diabetes Awareness: Diabetes on the Job

When you go to work, your diabetes goes with you.You... Read More

Diabetes and its Management

Diabetes Mellitus is one of the most costly burdensome chronic... Read More

What Is Diabetes?

Your doctor may have recently advised you have diabetes. Or... Read More

If You Have Diabetes, You May Be Entitled To No Cost Diabetic Supplies

This article is intended to inform people with diabetes in... Read More

Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition that occurs during pregnancy.... Read More

Raising Happy Diabetic Kids

This is the first in a series of articles I... Read More

Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic Neuropathy, a nerve disorder caused by diabetes, is characterized... Read More

Locating Diabetic Supplies to Manage Diabetes

In the United States there are around 17 million people... Read More