In this episode of Dr. Bikman’s Research Reviews, Ben delves into his 2018 study on insulin’s impact on mitochondrial function within various types of fat tissue. The research found that prolonged insulin exposure in mice reduced mitochondrial activity in brown and subcutaneous fat, both known for their high energy-burning capacities. However, visceral fat remained unaffected by insulin.

This selective reduction suggests that elevated insulin levels dampen energy expenditure, which may contribute to weight gain—a phenomenon often observed in patients on long-term insulin therapy.

The study underscores the need for careful insulin management and highlights how strategies like low-carb or ketogenic diets could counterbalance insulin’s energy-conserving effects.

Study LINK:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29170160