In: Anatomy and Physiology
Describe how high dietary sugar diets could promote insulin resistance. Be sure to 1) discuss how dietary sugar gets digested/absorbed 2) explain the fate of glucose into the muscle cell in insulin-sensitive states then how it could lead to insulin resistance as well as 3) identify how sugar interacts with exercise (before, during and immediately after) to foster movement. Highlight cell mechanisms and key hormones within answers when possible.
Insulin is the hormone secreted by beta cells of pancreatic
islets that helps in glucosw uptake by body cells.
When an individual eats food, the carbohydrates are broken down
into polysaccharides in the mouth by the action of salivaty
amylase. The polysaccharides are further broken down into
monosaccharides like glucose in the stomach and intestine by the
help of pancreatic amylase. The monosaccharides like glucose are
absorbed by the small intestine and transported into the blood.
Presence of glucose in the blood is sensed by pancreas which
releases insulin. Insulin acts of the glucose and increases its
uptake by the body cells.
In case of excess dietary sugar, the sugar is converted to fructose
andstored in liver. This causes fatty liver, inflammation and
decreased insulin sensitivity.
When a person exercises, more amount of energy is needed by the
muscles. This requires increased supply of glucose to the cells.
The glucose in the muscles takes part in respiratory process to
release energy.
So exercise increase glucose uptake by the cells.