Do Insulin Spikes cause weight gain and diabetes?

Summary

The discussion highlights the distinction between fasting and postprandial insulin levels, emphasizing that while high fasting levels indicate metabolic issues, post-meal insulin spikes may not be harmful. A recent study found that women with larger insulin spikes had better pancreatic function and a significantly reduced risk of developing pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes over four years. Surprisingly, certain foods like oatmeal and fish raised insulin levels similarly, challenging common beliefs about carbohydrate effects. Overall, the findings suggest that while avoiding high fasting insulin is important, acute insulin responses should not cause concern.

Takeaways

• 😀 It's important to distinguish between fasting insulin/glucose levels and postprandial (after eating) levels.
• 😀 High fasting glucose or insulin levels indicate potential metabolic issues, such as insulin resistance or diabetes.
• 😀 Post-meal glucose spikes are normal and part of physiological responses, provided they return to baseline levels.
• 😀 A recent study found that larger post-meal insulin spikes may correlate with better metabolic health outcomes.
• 😀 Participants with higher insulin spikes showed lower fasting and postprandial glucose levels and reduced diabetes risk over four years.
• 😀 The study suggests that insulin spikes may indicate pancreatic function rather than directly causing weight gain or insulin resistance.
• 😀 Observational studies have limitations; results from one population (recent mothers) may not be generalizable.
• 😀 Insulinogenic responses to foods can be surprising; some carbohydrates do not necessarily cause higher insulin levels than proteins or fats.
• 😀 Acute insulin responses are not always indicative of long-term health; chronic exposure to risk factors is more concerning.
• 😀 Maintaining healthy fasting insulin levels is crucial, primarily through healthy weight management and exercise.

Q & A

What is the difference between fasting insulin levels and postprandial insulin levels?

Fasting insulin levels are measured after not eating for 8 to 10 hours and indicate metabolic health, while postprandial insulin levels are measured after eating and reflect the body's insulin response to food.

Why are high fasting insulin levels considered a red flag?

High fasting insulin levels indicate insulin resistance and can be a sign of metabolic issues such as pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes.

What is a glucose excursion?

A glucose excursion is the normal rise and fall of blood glucose levels after eating, which is a physiological response in healthy individuals.

How do insulin spikes after meals affect metabolic health?

Insulin spikes can indicate pancreatic function and, contrary to previous beliefs, may not lead to weight gain or insulin resistance. Recent studies suggest larger insulin spikes can actually correlate with better metabolic health over time.

What did the recent study mentioned in the script reveal about insulin spikes?

The study found that participants with larger insulin spikes had better beta cell function and a lower risk of developing pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes over four years.

What are some limitations of the study discussed in the script?

The study was observational and not randomized, only included women who were recent mothers, and did not account for participants' diets.

Which foods are known to cause insulin spikes?

While carbohydrates are often associated with insulin spikes, the study found surprising results, such as oatmeal causing no more insulin response than fish or beef.

What role does protein play in insulin secretion?

Protein can also stimulate insulin secretion, contributing to the complexity of how different foods affect insulin levels.

Why is it problematic to judge food healthiness based solely on acute insulin responses?

Acute changes in biomarkers like insulin may not reflect long-term health effects; focusing only on these can lead to misunderstanding of what constitutes a healthy diet.

What should individuals focus on to maintain healthy insulin levels?

Individuals should focus on maintaining a healthy body weight and exercising regularly to avoid high fasting insulin levels.