Lecture Notes: Understanding Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Health

Introduction

• Speaker expresses delight at being invited to the event.
• Acknowledges the importance of the community and the topic at hand.
• Discusses the view of chronic diseases, proposing a common root cause rather than treating individual symptoms.

Metabolic Health

Definition

• Defined through Metabolic Syndrome:
  • Dyslipidemia
  • High blood pressure
  • High glucose levels
  • Large waist circumference
• In the UK, 33% of adults have confirmed metabolic syndrome.
• Prevalence is higher in other regions (e.g., South Asia, Middle East, US).

Connection to Insulin Resistance

• Hypertension as a first sign of metabolic issues, affecting 58% of UK adults.
• Metabolic syndrome was originally known as the Insulin Resistance Syndrome.
• Insulin resistance affects various chronic diseases including:
  • Heart disease
  • Certain cancers
  • Fatty liver disease
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Infertility issues (e.g., PCOS)

Insulin Mechanism

Understanding Insulin

• Insulin: A hormone produced by the pancreas.
• Primary function: Lowers blood glucose levels.
• Insulin affects nutrient metabolism and cellular energy usage.

Insulin Resistance Explained

• Insulin resistance is a cellular phenomenon.
• Cells become less responsive to insulin over time.
• Leads to increased blood glucose and hyperinsulinemia (elevated insulin levels).
• Insulin resistance manifests differently across cells in the body.

Consequences of Insulin Resistance

• Associated with various chronic diseases and conditions:
  • Hypertension
  • Type 2 Diabetes
  • Fatty Liver Disease
  • Cancers
  • Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease
  • Infertility issues

Primary Causes of Insulin Resistance

• Stress
• Inflammation
• Hyperinsulinemia: Excess insulin can lead to reduced sensitivity in cells.

Lifestyle Management

Dietary Approaches

1. Control Carbohydrates: Limit digestible glucose; focus on whole fruits and vegetables.
2. Prioritize Protein: Animal sources are best for absorption.
3. Don’t Fear Fat: Fat is essential for protein digestion and overall metabolism.

Measurement of Insulin Resistance

• Dynamic Measurements: Oral glucose tolerance test with insulin measurement.
• Static Measurements:
  • Fasting insulin levels (should be mid-30s picomoles)
  • C-peptide levels (to confirm insulin production)
  • HOMA index (around 1.5 indicates insulin sensitivity)

Conclusion

• Emphasizes the need to shift from a glucose-centric to an insulin-centric paradigm.
• Advocates for dietary modifications to lower insulin levels.
• Encourages the audience to utilize the knowledge to improve metabolic health and reduce reliance on medications.

Q&A Session

• Encouraged audience to ask questions.
• Acknowledged the relevance of suggestions from other health advocates regarding dietary interventions to manage glucose levels.