The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman

The Impact of Estrogens on Glucose Metabolism and Insulin Resistance


Listen Later

In this episode of The Metabolic Classroom, Dr. Ben Bikman explores the metabolic effects of estrogens, particularly their role in glucose metabolism.


Estrogens, mainly produced in the gonads, play a crucial role in regulating blood glucose by enhancing insulin sensitivity. Dr. Bikman explained that estrogens improve insulin signaling through pathways such as PI3 kinase and AKT, which are essential for glucose uptake in muscle and fat tissues. Additionally, estrogens activate AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), further promoting glucose uptake and maintaining healthy blood glucose levels.


Estrogens also suppress glucose production in the liver by inhibiting key enzymes involved in gluconeogenesis, helping to prevent excess glucose release into the bloodstream. In contrast, progesterone decreases insulin sensitivity and promotes insulin resistance, counteracting some of estrogen's beneficial effects. This hormonal interplay affects glucose metabolism during the ovarian cycle, with estrogen-dominant phases being more favorable for glucose control.


During menopause, the significant drop in estrogen levels leads to increased insulin resistance and shifts in fat storage, often resulting in more central fat accumulation. While hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can mitigate some of these changes, it comes with risks that need careful consideration. Ben emphasizes the significant role of estrogens in glucose metabolism and their broader impact on metabolic health, especially in women.


https://www.insuliniq.com


01:19 - Overview of Estrogens and Progesterone

02:20 - Cholesterol as the Precursor to Sex Hormones

03:34 - The Role of Aromatase in Estrogen Production

04:32 - Understanding the Family of Estrogens

05:56 - Estrogens and Glucose Metabolism: Key Signaling Pathways

06:54 - Insulin Signaling Pathway Overview

08:57 - How Estrogens Enhance Insulin Sensitivity

10:04 - The Role of AMPK in Glucose Uptake

12:11 - Estrogens' Dual Mechanism in Regulating Glucose Levels

13:18 - The Impact of Estrogens on Liver Glucose Production

15:33 - Estrogens' Role in Suppressing Gluconeogenesis

17:07 - Why Women Have Lower Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

19:28 - Metabolic Effects During the Ovarian Cycle

21:54 - Progesterone’s Influence on Insulin Resistance and Fat Storage

25:16 - The Shift in Fat Storage Patterns Post-Menopause

26:16 - Hormone Replacement Therapy: Metabolic Considerations


PI3K activation leads to the phosphorylation of Akt, a key protein in glucose metabolism, which promotes the translocation of GLUT4 (glucose transporter type 4) to the cell membrane, facilitating glucose uptake into muscle and adipose tissue: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S155041311930138X?via%3Dihub


AMPK acts as an energy sensor and helps maintain cellular energy balance, which is crucial in regulating glucose and lipid metabolism: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12013-015-0521-z


Progesterone increases blood glucose levels by enhancing hepatic gluconeogenesis. This effect is mediated by the progesterone receptor membrane component 1 (PGRMC1) in the liver, which activates gluconeogenesis pathways, leading to increased glucose production, especially under conditions of insulin resistance: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-73330-7

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben BikmanBy Insulin IQ

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

151 ratings


More shows like The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman

View all
The Jesse Chappus Show by Jesse Chappus

The Jesse Chappus Show

1,546 Listeners

Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina by Vanessa Spina

Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina

777 Listeners

Dhru Purohit Show by Dhru Purohit

Dhru Purohit Show

3,505 Listeners

The Dr. Hyman Show by Dr. Mark Hyman

The Dr. Hyman Show

9,350 Listeners

Low Carb MD Podcast by Dr. Brian Lenzkes, Dr. Tro

Low Carb MD Podcast

1,118 Listeners

Metabolic Freedom With Ben Azadi by Ben Azadi

Metabolic Freedom With Ben Azadi

1,064 Listeners

Dr. Shawn Baker Podcast by Dr. Shawn Baker

Dr. Shawn Baker Podcast

472 Listeners

Nutrition with Judy | Carnivore Diet by Judy Cho

Nutrition with Judy | Carnivore Diet

456 Listeners

Stay Off My Operating Table by Dr. Philip Ovadia

Stay Off My Operating Table

143 Listeners

Keto Made Simple - Learn With Doctor Westman by Adapt Your Life

Keto Made Simple - Learn With Doctor Westman

152 Listeners

The Plant Free MD with Dr Anthony Chaffee by Anthony Chaffee, MD

The Plant Free MD with Dr Anthony Chaffee

462 Listeners

The Primal Podcast by Rina Ahluwalia

The Primal Podcast

187 Listeners

Carnivore Conversations by Dr. Robert Kiltz

Carnivore Conversations

135 Listeners

The Metabolic Link by Dr. Dominic D'Agostino PhD, Dr. Angela Poff PhD, and Victoria Field

The Metabolic Link

101 Listeners

Metabolic Mind by Bret Scher, MD FACC

Metabolic Mind

69 Listeners