What are the causes of hyperinsulinemia? Benjamin T. Bikman, Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology at Brigham Young University, explains what insulin resistance is and why it's relevant. Up to 46% of adults worldwide have metabolic syndrome, also called insulin resistance syndrome. It connects every noncommunicable chronic disease, from the big ones like heart disease, diabetes and cancer to scary ones like migraines and dementia to less lethal but still very relevant ones, such as fertility problems. All are a derivative of one common problem: insulin resistance.

@bbikman1 explains insulin resistance as the failure of some cells to respond fully to insulin, leaving insulin levels high. There are three primary causes of insulin resistance: stress, inflammation and hyperinsulinemia. Stress is defined by elevated levels of the hormones cortisol and epinephrine, both of which want to increase your body's blood glucose, making them antagonistic to insulin. Sleep deprivation is the most common cause of stress. Inflammation is caused by cytokines, which occur with an infection, illness, autoimmune disorders, air pollution – including cigarette smoke – and enlarged fat cells. Hyperinsulinemia happens when there is too much insulin in the body and the body starts to become resistant to it. The body is conditioned to resist any constant stimulus.

Hyperinsulinemia is a cause and a consequence of insulin resistance, Bikman says. Watch the video to learn what insulin does and why hyperinsulinemia has become so common. Bikman's talk is followed by a Q&A.

Bikman earned his Ph.D. in Bioenergetics and was a postdoctoral fellow with the DukeNational University of Singapore in metabolic disorders. Currently, his professional focus is to better understand the role of elevated insulin and nutrient metabolism in regulating obesity, diabetes and dementia.

This talk was presented at the recent "Food for Thought 2023: Rising to the challenge of obesity and diabetes" conference held by Swiss Re Institute and @TheBMJ. Learn more: https://www.swissre.com/institute/con...

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#health #diabetes #insulinresistance #stress #sleepdeprivation #metabolicsyndrome #carbohydratemetabolism