Pancreatic Hormones (Insulin, Glucagon, Somatostatin) [10a9da]

Post Time: 2025-07-29

Maintaining a stable blood sugar range is crucial for overall health, and one often-overlooked aspect is the role of healthy fats. When it comes to regulating blood sugar levels, incorporating healthy fats into your diet can make all the difference.

Healthy fats are essential in stabilizing blood sugar due to their ability to regulate insulin sensitivity. Research has shown that individuals with higher amounts of visceral fat tend to have lower insulin sensitivity (1). Conversely, studies suggest that increasing intake of omega-3 fatty acids and other polyunsaturated fats may improve insulin function (2).

The Link Between Healthy Fats and Insulin Sensitivity

Insulin resistance is a major risk factor for developing type 2 diabetes. When we consume high-carbohydrate or high-glycemic foods, our bodies produce more glucose than necessary, placing additional pressure on the pancreas to produce excess insulin (3). This can lead to fatigue, weight gain, and other symptoms of insulin resistance.

Healthy fats, such as avocado oil and coconut oil, not only improve digestion but also provide essential fatty acids that help reduce inflammation in the body. One study demonstrated a significant reduction in markers of inflammation among individuals with high triglyceride levels who consumed omega-3 supplements (4).

Fatty Foods That Support Blood Sugar Balance

Certain types of fat-rich foods have been shown to positively impact blood sugar levels. Nuts and seeds, for example, are rich in healthy fats like monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Almonds contain magnesium and vitamin E, which can help regulate insulin sensitivity (5). Chia seeds and flaxseeds also provide an excellent source of omega-3s.

When combined with moderate-intensity exercise, incorporating more healthy fats into your diet may have a significant impact on blood sugar regulation. Studies show that this combination reduces the risk factors associated with type 2 diabetes (6).

The Connection Between Healthy Fats and Stress Management

Chronic stress has been linked to higher blood sugar levels due to its effect on insulin sensitivity. Engaging in regular exercise, like yoga or high-intensity interval training, can reduce cortisol production while improving insulin sensitivity.

Foods rich in healthy fats may also play a role in mitigating the impact of stress on blood sugar levels. For example, studies suggest that consuming omega-3s from sources such as fatty fish can help regulate inflammation caused by chronic stress (7).

Blood Sugar Regulation and Satiety

Consuming foods with high fat content tends to improve satiety due to their slower digestion rate compared to carbohydrates or protein alone. This prolonged feeling of fullness is beneficial for regulating blood sugar levels, reducing the likelihood of overeating.

A diet rich in healthy fats from sources like nuts, seeds, and avocados can help individuals better manage hunger hormones, which are crucial indicators of satiety (8).

Incorporating Healthy Fats into Your Daily Routine

While it may be tempting to reach for low-fat options when trying to balance blood sugar levels, incorporating a range of healthy fats into your diet is essential. This includes consuming avocados as guacamole or adding olive oil to salads.

Healthy fat sources like coconut milk and full-fat yogurt are great alternatives in baked goods recipes that typically call for reduced-fat versions (9).

By combining healthy fats with moderate physical activity, reducing stress levels through practices such as meditation, managing hunger hormones effectively through portion control, monitoring blood sugar levels consistently using a glucometer or continuous glucose monitor (CGM), and staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water daily are just some strategies that help people achieve stable blood sugar ranges.

References:

1. Visceral fat: A major risk factor for insulin resistance
2. Effect of dietary omega-3 fatty acids on serum lipids in patients with type 2 diabetes
3. Dietary carbohydrate restriction as the first approach for decreasing disease risk
4. Effects of supplementation with fish oil rich in n-3 fatty acids on blood pressure and cardiovascular complications at high altitude: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial
5. Effect of almond consumption on weight loss: a systematic review
6. Dietary pattern-based association between diet quality indices and insulin sensitivity among adults in the United States
7. Chronic stress exposure induces cognitive impairment by modulating inflammation in hippocampal microglia and inhibiting adult neurogenesis via JAK/STAT signaling pathway
8. High-fat, low-carbohydrate diets do not exacerbate metabolic dysregulation after gastric bypass surgery

The endocrine pancreas hormones such as Insulin, Glucagon, and somatostain physiology and pathophysiology explained for USMLE Step 1. is made up of 3 types of cells. Alpha cells secrete glucagon, Beta cells secrete insulin and Delta cells secrete somatostatin. INSULIN Generally speaking insulin is designed for energy abundance. So your body prefers to use glucose rather than fats for energy. The body will use CH instead of fat and glycogen. And use Amino Acids for protein synthesis. GLUCOSE Muscle will have increase uptake to make glycogen in the muscle. In the liver it will be used for uptake to use for glycogen and fat. Brain will only use glucose and this is independent of insulin. FAT Increase fat storage. Increase citrate and isocitrate. Increase AcetylCoA Carboxylase. This increase malonyl CoA which will increase Fat synthesis. This will increase Lipoprotein lilpase and decrease does wheat bread spike blood sugar lipase. In how to use blood sugar test kit Deficiency you prefer fats so you increase lipoprotein lipase which increase Free Fatty Acids. This will become phospholipids and cholesterol leading to heart disease. When there is Free Fatty Acids without insulin this will increase Ketone bodies (Acetoacetic Acid and B-hydroxyacetate). PROTEIN Increase synthesis and storage of protein. Increase AA and Increase Protein synthesis. In deficiency there is increase serum AA and increase urea in urine. It also increase effect on Growth Hormone. MECHANISM OF ACTION of BETA Cell When Glucose comes in this increases ATP and blocks Potassium channel. This depolarizes and causes opening of Calcium channel. Regulated by glucose, Amino Acids, and GIT hormones. GLUCAGON This hormone is expressed when glucose is low. Therefore it will increase gluconeogenesis banana increase blood sugar by converting Amino acids into glucose and converted fats into glucose. Increase cAMP which will increase Phorphokinase which will increase phorphorylase and increase glucose phosphate. Only small amount of glucose is necessary to have greater effects because of amplification. At really high concentrations it can increase heart contraction, increase blood flow to organs, increase bile secretion an block gastric acid. SOMATOSTATIN REgulated by high glucose, Amino Acids, Fatty Acids and GIT hormones. Effects of somatostatin - decrease insulin and glucagon. Decreases motility of duodenum, stomach and gallbladder. Decreases secretion and absorption in GIT.Pancreatic Hormones (Insulin, Glucagon, Somatostatin) [10a9da]