The Role of Insulin in the Body

Ever wonder how your body keeps blood sugar levels in check? That’s where insulin comes in! This essential hormone, produced by the pancreas, helps manage how your body uses and stores glucose. One of insulin’s biggest partners in this process is your liver, which acts as a glucose storage unit and energy supplier.

Let’s dive into how your liver responds to insulin and why it’s crucial for your overall health.

What Happens When Insulin Reaches the Liver?

When you eat, your blood sugar levels rise, triggering insulin release. Your liver responds by:

• Storing extra glucose as glycogen (glycogenesis).

• Slowing down the release of glucose into the bloodstream.

When insulin levels drop (like during fasting or exercise), your liver does the opposite, it releases stored glucose to keep your energy levels steady. This back-and-forth process helps prevent extreme blood sugar highs and lows.

How Your Liver Manages Glucose

Glycogenesis: Storing Sugar for Later

After a meal, insulin signals your liver to absorb glucose and store it as glycogen, a quick-access energy reserve. The liver can stockpile up to 100 grams of glycogen, ready to be used when needed.

Glycogenolysis: Releasing Sugar When Needed

If you’re fasting or exercising, your insulin levels drop, and your liver kicks into action. It breaks down glycogen into glucose through glycogenolysis, ensuring your body has a steady energy supply.

Insulin Resistance and Liver Health: What Happens When Things Go Wrong

If your liver becomes insulin resistant, it stops responding properly to insulin’s signals. Instead of storing glucose, it keeps releasing it into the bloodstream, leading to high blood sugar levels. Over time, this can contribute to:

• Type 2 diabetes

• Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)

• Metabolic syndrome

Research Insight: Insulin Resistance and Fatty Liver Disease

A 2021 study published in the Journal of Hepatology found that insulin resistance is a major cause of NAFLD, which affects nearly 25% of the world’s population. High insulin levels lead to fat buildup in liver cells, increasing the risk of inflammation and liver damage.

Keeping Your Liver Healthy (Especially If You Have Diabetes)

Want to keep your liver working efficiently? Here’s what you can do:

1. Eat Smart

• Choose low-glycemic foods like whole grains, legumes, and leafy greens.

• Include healthy fats from nuts, avocados, and fish.

• Cut back on refined carbs and added sugars, they increase insulin resistance.

2. Stay Active

• Exercise helps your body use insulin more effectively and reduces excess liver glucose production.

• A 2022 study in Diabetes Care found that 30 minutes of moderate exercise, five days a week, improved insulin sensitivity in people with prediabetes.

3. Monitor Blood Sugar Levels

• Tracking your glucose levels helps you understand how food, exercise, and medication affect your metabolism.

• Consider using a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) for real-time insights.