Insulin Release

Question
-------------------------
Followup To
Question -
When one eats something, particularly something high in simple sugars, I know that the sugars trigger an insulin release in the body.  How quickly does this occur?  Is it immediate or does it take time for the food to break down?
Answer -
Depending on the source of the sugars, it can occur quickly (a spoon of table/regular sugar goes fast!) or over several hours (such as a bowl of whole grain cereal, nuts/legumes, etc).  

Ideally, we want such a balanced meal that there's the 'fast' boost, the moderate release and the slow one.  This keeps us from those nagging cravings between meals that contribute to weight problems.  It also tends to keep us from craving the 'worst' sugars/starches in the worst amounts (people aren't any more "addicted" to bread or carbs than they are "addicted" to air!).  


Insulin is a hormone, and therefore, a protein.   Insulin is secreted by groups of cells within the pancreas called islet cells.  The pancreas also produces digestive enzymes and other hormones. Carbohydrates (or sugars) are absorbed from the intestines into the bloodstream after a meal. Insulin is then secreted by the pancreas in response to this detected increase in blood sugar. Most cells of the body have insulin receptors which bind the insulin which is in the circulation.  When a cell has insulin attached to its surface, the cell activates other receptors designed to absorb glucose (sugar) from the blood stream into the inside of the cell.

Find out more about health, ideal diet intake and how to stay clear of the quacks and sales sleaze at my site.  NO sales, NO promotions and NO signing up or signing in.

http://www.geocities.com/thereverend1investigates/


Could you quantify "goes fast"?  Is this like one minute, five, ten? Or is this not really known?


Answer
Difficult.  It would depend on so many factors, such as basic metabolism, what was eaten last, when, body chemistry and much more.  
I've witnessed a diabetic, in a seizure, having orange juice just dripped into their mouths and within seconds (less than a minute) having this stabilize them enough to stop the seizure and return them to consciousness.  

I'm sorry I can't be of more help.  Maybe if I knew more ?  

1. Prev:how to diet the right way
2. Next:slim-fast diet