Dr. Ben Bikman on Why We Get Sick

Many of us know insulin as the hormone that regulates our blood sugar. We often think of its role in diabetes. However, insulin affects far more than glucose. Dr. Ben Bikman is a PhD researcher who has been studying insulin for many years. His latest book, Why We Get Sick, outlines how insulin resistance is at the root of chronic disease and ways to treat and prevent it. In this episode, we speak to Dr. Bikman about the mechanisms of insulin resistance, its far-reaching effects in chronic disease, and strategies to improve it. Today on The Lab Report: 2:20 Meet Dr. Bikman and learn why he focuses his research on insulin 8:35 Insulin and insulin resistance   13:55 Where in the body does insulin resistance start? 18:25 Hypertrophic vs. hyperplastic fat cells and the effects of free fatty acids 26:35 Signals that create hypertrophic vs. hyperplastic fat cells 28:45 Muscle-centric model of insulin resistance 32:15 Chronic diseases as they relate to insulin resistance 35:50 Aromatase activity in adipose tissue 37:25 The brain and Alzheimer’s disease as ‘type 3 diabetes’? 41:50 Fasting, ketosis, and lifestyle strategies to combat insulin resistance 47:35 COVID-19, immunity, and metabolic defenses 50:40 The Fireball Additional Resources: Why We Get Sick Ceremides as modulators of cellular and whole-body metabolism Adipose Tissue as an Endocrine Organ Ketones Elicit Distinct Alterations in Adipose Mitochondrial Bioenergetics Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review. Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: [email protected]. And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing. Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.          See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.