Insulin
A hormone made by the pancreas that regulates blood glucose by promoting its uptake (absorption) by cells and its storage as glycogen or fat.
Insulin is the body’s main anabolic hormone. When glucose rises after a meal, the pancreas releases insulin, which:
- Opens the doors (GLUT4 receptors) so glucose can enter muscle and fat cells
- Stimulates protein synthesis
- Slows lipolysis (fat burning)
- Prepares for storage
A normal insulin cycle:
- Carbohydrate-rich meal → insulin rises
- Glucose absorbed → insulin falls
- Between meals → insulin low, glucagon rises, the body burns fat
A fresh angle: insulin has been demonised by the marketing of certain diets (keto, paleo). The false narrative: “insulin = storage = fat”.
The true picture: insulin is necessary and healthy in normal cycles. The problem is insulin resistance: cells no longer respond well to insulin, so the pancreas produces more and more (hyperinsulinaemia) to get an effect. This is what causes fat accumulation, especially visceral fat.
Causes of insulin resistance: ultra-processed foods rich in simple sugars, fructose, lack of exercise, chronic stress and insufficient sleep.
The solution: not to avoid insulin, but to restore insulin sensitivity through exercise, fibre, sleep, stress management and complex carbohydrates.