Insulin, Glucagon and Fitness

Insulin and glucagon exist to ensure that your body has “fuel” to make it work. Insulin is responsible for carbohydrate storage and has multiple effects on protein synthesis (the conversion of protein to muscle), protein breakdown (the breakdown of muscle into protein for use as energy), and glycogen replenishment. It is known as an anabolic hormone because it is used to build. Glucagon, on the other hand, stimulates the breakdown of glycogen from fat and the liver and is known as a catabolic hormone as it is used for breakdown. As you can probably figure out, a higher amount of insulin will result in weight gain, while a higher amount of glucagon will result in weight loss.

Both are polar opposites, but are necessary for the body to survive, working to ensure that blood sugar levels remain balanced throughout the day.

Insulin, how does it work?

1) Glucose enters the bloodstream

2) The pancreas detects elevated blood glucose levels

3) The pancreas then secretes insulin into the bloodstream.

4) Insulin increases the permeability of cell membranes to glucose. In other words, it increases the cell’s ability to absorb insulin.

5) Blood glucose levels begin to drop

6) The pancreas then senses the drop in blood glucose levels and begins to reduce insulin secretion.

7) The cells return to their previous state and become less permeable to glucose.

Cells can only absorb a set limit of glucose, once they reach their limit the rest will be stored as fat.

Glucagon, how does it work?

1) Glucose levels begin to drop

2) The pancreas detects low blood sugar and begins to release glucagon

3) Glucagon stimulates the release of glucose from the liver and/or muscles

4) Blood glucose levels begin to rise

5) The pancreas senses increased blood glucose levels and reduces glucagon secretion

6) The liver/muscles then reduce the release of glucose

Resume

Both hormones are affected by the way you eat and diet. Eating large meals and snacks without set schedules will result in insulin spikes that will cause fat to be stored and weight gain. On the other hand, if you don’t eat often enough, your blood sugar levels will drop and you’ll feel lethargic and exhausted. Then you need to make sure you eat regularly with balanced meals and stick to no snacking if you want to avoid weight gain and maintain optimal energy levels.