Meet Insulin, The Glucose Salesman

Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas that transports glucose from your bloodstream to the cells. It does this by 'latching on' to free glucose molecules, then seeking out cells that actively want to 'buy' some glucose. When a cell needs more glucose it displays specific insulin receptors on its cell membrane. Rather like hanging a sign outside your home asking insulin to drop by with some glucose. If the cell doesn't want extra glucose, it doesn't display the receptor.

Insulin's Busy Working Day

At the start of insulin's working day, he is despatched from the pancreas with instructions to locate unattached glucose molecules and 'sell' them to a cell. When the insulin molecule spots a cell with a 'glucose wanted' receptor display, it carries the glucose molecule over, hands it to the cell, and departs to locate another glucose molecule to 'sell'.

What if no cells are buying glucose today?

If the cells don't need any more glucose right now they don't display the 'glucose wanted' receptor, and insulin simply continues circulating through your body, glucose attached, looking for a buyer. This is 'insulin resistance'. Rather like having too many salesmen out on the road when nobody wants to buy. Eventually insulin will arrange for the glucose to be converted into fat, and push the glucose molecule into a fat storage cell. Fat cells just hang around doing nothing, producing nothing; but they're always happy to accept another fat donation.

What changes the cell's mind about buying?

Physical activity uses up glucose, forcing your cells to call for more. This is why increasing your activity levels is such an important step in overcoming insulin resistance.

Why to avoid excess sugar

Sugar is a clever enemy. It knows how to tug at your emotions. Initially, you'll feel happier and more energetic after consuming something sugary. When you eat something sweet, your brain initially throws a party: neurotransmitters release opioids, giving you a sense of well-being. Your blood glucose level rises quickly, providing immediate energy. So far so good. But insulin, the glucose salesman, is called in to 'sell' the glucose to cells. The higher the amount of circulating glucose, the more insulin that will be secreted.

Soon, the excessive amount of sugar you ate is 'sold' or diverted to fat storage (often on your lower abdomen), and your blood glucose level can fall, fast, too low. The party's over, and your brain craves more sugar. Your energy levels fall quickly too. You may experience brain 'fog', trouble concentrating, mood swings, dizzy spells or sweating. So to feel better, you eat something sugary again, and the cycle repeats. Eventually your pancreas may become exhausted from continual secretion of insulin; its insulin -producing cells may die from exhaustion, resulting in diabetes.

The most effective way to manage your blood glucose and keep your insulin salesman working productively is to keep your sugar intake to a minimum, and get enough of the right sort of exercise.

Olwen Anderson is an accredited naturopath based on the north coast of New South Wales, Australia. Visit her web site for free health information, subscribe to Health e-News for up to date natural health information; and read more articles that can help you take control of your health. Visit http://www.olwenanderson.com.au/