Healthy Self Beyond Blood Sugar T
he hormone insulin is essential to many vital functions in the body. Synthesized in the pancreas, insulin is
largely known for its role in the maintenance of blood sugar. Essential for cellular energy, insulin takes sugar out of blood circula- tion and transports it into cells where it can provide energy. A steady supply of energy is needed for organ systems to function proper- ly and when insulin fails to supply adequate energy disease and dysfunction can result.
Insulin and Blood Sugar
Chronic blood sugar dysregulation can lead to diabetes. Type II diabetes is the category of diabetes that comes from poor lifestyle choices including limited physical activity and a diet high in processed foods and sugar. Over time, perpetual high blood glucose will lead to desensitization of the insulin receptors on the tissues of the body, called insulin resistance. This leads to the inability for glucose to be taken from the peripheral blood circulation into the cell to supply energy. When cells are not provided
the energy they need to function properly, dysfunction is the end result. Type I diabe- tes is due to a lack or deficiency of insulin production, typically due to an autoimmune process. Individuals control Type I diabetes with insulin replacement therapy.
Insulin and Heart Health Insulin resistance is considered a co-
morbidity, meaning, it is commonly found with other health problems. High total cho- lesterol, decreased HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), increased LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol), elevated blood pressure and an increased hip to waist measurement ratio are all considered co-morbidities with insulin resistance. Any one of these can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease but when combined together can almost certainly lead to heart disease and eventually irreversible damage. Another factor associated with in- sulin resistance is an increase in Androgens, a hormone that promotes stress and inflam- mation. Elevated blood sugar levels can lead to hardening of the arteries, the vessels that
bring oxygenated blood to various parts of the body, and peripheral vascular disease. The extremities, hands and feet, are the last to receive this oxygenated blood, and are thereby the first to suffer in peripheral vascular disease. This is one reason diabetics are at a higher risk of amputation of hands and feet.
Insulin and Brain Function Insulin can readily cross the blood
brain barrier, the separation between blood circulation and the central nervous system including the brain and spinal cord. This separation exists to prevent the passage of life threatening substances, like bacteria, to the delicate tissues of the central nervous system. Areas of the central nervous system found to be the most sensitive to insulin in- clude the hypothalamus, cerebral cortex and the cerebellum.
Located deep in the brain, the hypo- thalamus is referred to as the “master gland” as it functions to regulate the body’s homeo- static balance. Maintenance of body weight, body temperature, hunger signals and thirst signals are just some of the responsibilities of the hypothalamus. Sound important? I’d say so! The cerebral cortex, known as gray matter, is divided into 4 lobes. The 4 lobes of the cortex have specific functions including the ability to process and understand writ- ten and spoken language, hearing, vision, touch, smell, sight and critical thinking. The cerebellum is located at the base of the brain. The ability to maintain proper posture, balance and to coordinate movement are all regulated by the cerebellum. This is by no means a comprehensive list of the functions of the hypothalamus, cortex and cerebel- lum, but highlights the importance of these structures.
Insulin and Skin Health
Individuals with chronically high blood glucose are more susceptible to skin infec- tions. Insulin supports proper proliferation and differentiation of skin cells and when disrupted can lead to delayed wound healing
20 Natural Nutmeg October 2012
ASHLEY BURKMAN, ND
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