When insulin binds to its receptor on the cell surface, a cascade of intracellular events is triggered, involving the phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrates (IRS) and the activation of protein kinase B (Akt). If you eat a lot of protein to help increase muscle mass, then you will be activating this protein all the time. Akt also plays a crucial role in glucose uptake by promoting the movement of small transporter proteins, glucose transporter 4 (or GLUT4) to the cell membrane. Myo-inositol enhances these pathways, thus improving the efficacy of insulin acts and promotes GLUT-4 and so glucose removal from the blood, where it can be damaging, into the cell for storage.
Myo-inositol & Reducing Insulin Resistance: Insulin resistance occurs when cells in the muscles, fat, and liver do not respond well to insulin and cannot use glucose from the blood for energy. This leads to a compensatory increases in insulin production and eventually, higher blood glucose if insulin resistance continues. Myo-inositol improves insulin sensitivity by enhancing the activity of insulin receptors and facilitating better glucose uptake and utilisation by cells. It also helps in reducing the expression of inflammatory markers and oxidative stress, which are known to impair insulin signalling.
Regulation of Hormonal Balance: Myo-inositol has a significant impact on hormonal regulation, particularly in conditions like PCOS, which is often characterised by insulin resistance. It helps restore normal ovarian function and reduces hyperinsulinemia (or more simply put, elevated insulin), thereby normalising the hormonal imbalance. By improving insulin sensitivity, myo-inositol reduces the levels of circulating insulin, which in turn lowers androgen production and improves ovulatory function.
Clinical Evidence
Several clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of myo-inositol in improving insulin sensitivity. In women with #PCOS, myo-inositol supplementation has been shown to improve insulin resistance markers, reduce insulin levels, and enhance ovulatory function. For instance, a study published in "Gynecological Endocrinology" reported that women taking myo-inositol showed significant improvements in insulin sensitivity and a reduction in serum androgen levels compared to those taking a placebo.
In individuals with type 2 diabetes, myo-inositol has been observed to improve glucose
control by enhancing insulin sensitivity and reducing fasting blood glucose levels. Research published in "Diabetes Research and Clinical Practice" indicated that myo-inositol supplementation led to a significant decrease in HbA1c levels, a marker of long-term blood glucose control.
Conclusion
Myo-inositol’s role in improving insulin sensitivity is multifaceted, involving enhancement of insulin signalling pathways, reduction of insulin resistance, and hormonal regulation. These effects make it a valuable adjunct in the management of conditions associated with insulin resistance, such as PCOS and type 2 diabetes. Given its safety profile and natural occurrence, myo-inositol presents a promising therapeutic option for improving metabolic health and insulin sensitivity. Further research is warranted to fully elucidate its mechanisms and optimise its use in clinical practice.
#insulinresistance #PCOS #diabetes #type2diabetes #inositol
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