What is the insulin index?

The insulin index is a method of quantifying the amount of insulin that produces the body in response to various foods. This concept is similar to a glycemic index that calculates an increase in blood glucose or blood glucose levels caused by certain foods. The insulin index, which was first introduced in 1997 published by the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, was the work of a postgraduate student Susanne Holt at the University of Sidney. Basically, 38 foods were fed healthy participants of the study, finger blood samples were taken every 15 minutes after the next two hours, and insulin levels were measured at any time point.

Although there is a high correlation between glycemic index and measuring insulin index, there are some exceptions. Several foods with a high protein content that measured low to the glycemic index measured high on insulin index. Examples of such foods with inconsistent glycemic and insulin measurements include milk, yogurt, cheese, beef, fishand baked beans. Although insulin is best known as a hormone relaxed in response to high carbohydrate food to signal certain tissues to occupy glucose from the blood, the body also releases insulin as a signal for storing protein. Insulin induces the absorption of amino acids that are protein decomposition products for storage in tissues.

insulin resistance means that human cells have a reduced ability to respond to insulin, so that the level of glucose transport from blood to tissues will generally be reduced. Many problems can cause insulin resistance, such as pregnancy, certain prescription drugs, smoking and even high stress lifestyle. This condition is usually first treated with changes in lifestyle may eventually require medication if the situation does not improve.

Insulin Index can be the most useful for people who have or are at risk of developing insulin resistancee. While many people with insulin resistance are likely to avoid foods that are classically associated with insulin release, such as food and beverages with high sugar content, many of these people do not have to realize that high protein foods can also cause insulin. For these people, the insulin index can help lead, which other foods they should avoid. Finally, because excessively high insulin levels are associated with a higher risk of developing serious conditions such as heart disease, insulin index can lead people with insulin resistance to avoid food or eat to ensure their best health.