We laid the groundwork for understanding the root cause of insulin resistance in prior episodes, and now we have reached a major climax in this saga where we discuss one of the molecular root causes for this condition.  There will be some James Bond references and an explanation of insulin resistance using a kitchen power outage as an example.  We’ll end this episode by panning out from the molecules to the meta picture of insulin by going over 3 key substances that trigger insulin resistance and how these are linked to lifestyle. 

This episode will explain the important interaction between insulin, insulin receptor, and a key protein called IRS (insulin receptor substrate).  I'll use a simple lock and key model to simplify how these molecules interact and serve as an important doorway to metabolism.  Understanding the information in this episode will move you closer to gaining deep insights into future episodes where I discuss the molecular and lifestyle basis for insulin resistance and related issues with metabolism.  

Find out why I call rumination pre-depression/pre-anxiety.  Identifying and solving for rumination can have a significant impact on reducing much of the suffering we experience on a daily basis.  In this episode I describe the science of rumination, common rumination movies that play inside our head, and tactics for terminating rumination before it spirals out of control.  

Beta cells are the insulin-producing cells in our pancreas and their durability is a key factor in promoting longevity and optimal health.  In this episode I use the battery analogy to explain how beta cells work and what actions you can take to preserve your beta cell battery life which helps prevent/reverse diabetes and other chronic health conditions.  I also discuss ways in which you can estimate your beta cell battery life and what role certain conditions have on beta cell life. 

Glucose transporters (aka Glut) are a key protein that shuttles glucose into cells.  Understanding Glut helps you understand how your body transports and utilizes sugar, and how you can impact your glucose metabolism through lifestyle changes like exercise.  We'll use some clever mnemonics to keep the different Glut subtypes straight. 

This is the first of a series of episodes that digs deep into insulin's actions and uses what I call the "mango cell model" so you understand the key components of cell structure.  I'm also going to introduce a key glucose transporter called GLUT and end with my opinion about mangos and fruits in general when it comes to metabolic health. 

Your time is precious and there are a ton of health podcasts out there already.  In my trailer I discuss how this show might add some unique value and give you a totally different angle on learning about metabolism and health science.