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What is insulin resistance (excerpts from the Cleveland clinic)

Insulin resistance, also known as impaired insulin sensitivity, happens when cells in your muscles, fat and liver don’t respond properly to insulin, a hormone your pancreas makes that’s essential for life and regulates blood glucose (sugar) levels.  Insulin resistance can be temporary or chronic and is treatable in some cases.

Under normal circumstances, insulin functions in the following steps:

√  Your body breaks down the food you eat into glucose (sugar), which is your body’s main source of energy.
√  Glucose enters your bloodstream, which signals your pancreas to release insulin.
√  Insulin helps glucose in your blood to enter your muscle, fat and liver cells so they can use it for energy or store it for later use.
√  When glucose enters your cells and the levels in your bloodstream decrease, it signals your pancreas to stop producing insulin.
 

For multiple reasons, your muscle, fat and liver cells can respond inappropriately to insulin, which means they can’t effectively and efficiently take up glucose from your blood or store it. This is insulin resistance. As a result, your pancreas makes more insulin to try to overcome your increasing blood glucose levels. This is called hyperinsulinemia.

As long as your pancreas can make enough insulin to overcome your cells’ weak response to insulin, your blood sugar levels will stay in a healthy range. If your cells become too resistant to insulin, it leads to elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia), which, over time, leads  to prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes

How does StayBalanced™ affect Insulin Resistance

√  StayBalanced™ interacts with the Pancreas and the cell’s receptors.
√  In the Pancreas StayBalanced™ facilitates the secretion of additional insulin.
√  On the cell side, StayBalanced™ increases the sensitivity of the receptors, thus  better interacting
     with the insulin, allowing for more glucose to enter the cells.
√  Once the cell’s receptors are more reactive, the Pancreas can lower the insulin levels.
√  Now, that the Glucose has entered the cells, there is less glucose in the blood stream.
√  Now, that the cells absorbed more glucose, the body becomes more energetic and less lethargic.
√  Now, there is a reduced craving for food as the cells are being satisfied with their glucose needs, thus helping with weight control.

Summary of research done on the Stevia plant and its effects on Blood Sugar Balances

 Overview

Stevia (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) has been the subject of numerous studies investigating its potential effects on blood sugar balance. Research has been conducted on various levels, including in vitro studies, animal models, and human clinical trials.

 This summary compiles key findings from multiple studies, focusing on stevia’s impact on blood glucose levels, insulin sensitivity, and related metabolic factors.

 Key factors

Research suggests that stevia may influence blood sugar balance through several mechanisms:

1. Stimulation of insulin secretion

2. Enhancement of insulin sensitivity

3. Inhibition of glucose absorption in the intestine

4. Influence on glucose metabolism in the liver

Human Clinical Trials and Cell Studies 

1. Anton et al. (2010) found that stevia led to lower postprandial glucose and insulin levels compared to sucrose, without affecting satiety.

2. Mohd-Radzman et al. (2013) reported an 18% improvement in insulin sensitivity after 4 weeks of daily stevia consumption in healthy individuals.

3. Gregersen et al. (2004) observed an 18% reduction in postprandial blood glucose levels in type 2 diabetic patients who consumed stevia before meals.

4. Lailerd et al. (2004) demonstrated increased glucose transport rate in human muscle tissues treated with stevioside, suggesting improved insulin sensitivity.

5. Jeppesen et al. (2006) conducted a long-term study showing significant decreases in fasting blood glucose and HbA1c levels in type 2 diabetic patients after one year of stevia treatment.

6. Onakpoya & Heneghan (2015) performed a meta-analysis revealing a small but significant reduction in HbA1c levels among stevia consumers, particularly those with higher initial HbA1c levels.

7. Prato et al. (2021) found that rebaudioside A from stevia stimulated insulin secretion and inhibited glucagon release in isolated human pancreatic cells.

8. Silva et al. (2018) reported that stevia consumption before breakfast reduced postprandial glucose response in type 2 diabetic patients compared to sucrose.

9. Wang et al. (2012) showed that stevioside improved insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation in human adipose tissue and in mice fed a high-fat diet.

10. Romo-Romo et al. (2018) found no significant effect on fasting blood glucose or HbA1c after two weeks of stevia consumption in type 2 diabetic patients, but observed a reduction in blood triglyceride levels.

Conclusions and Consideration

While many studies suggest potential benefits of stevia for blood sugar balance, results are sometimes mixed or contradictory. Some key points to consider:

– Most studies show positive effects on blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity, but the magnitude of these effects varies.

– Short-term studies generally show more pronounced effects than longer-term studies.

– The impact of stevia may be more significant in individuals with higher initial blood glucose levels or insulin resistance.

– Some studies found additional metabolic benefits, such as reduced triglyceride levels.

– The mechanisms of action are not fully understood and may involve multiple pathways.

It’s important to note that while these studies provide valuable insights, more extensive, long-term human clinical trials are needed to fully establish the efficacy and safety of stevia for blood sugar management. Additionally, individual responses may vary, and stevia should not be considered a replacement for medical treatment of diabetes or other metabolic conditions without professional medical advice.

 
 
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