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The Pancreatic Hormones
How They Affect Fat Burning and Storage
The pancreas is a digestive
system organ with two distinctive roles. One of its jobs is to produce some
of the enzymes necessary for breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and fats
into their basic nutrients. The other important task performed by the
pancreas is the production of several hormones which are needed for a
variety of metabolic functions in the body. This article focuses on the
endocrine (hormone-producing) aspect of the pancreas and how it affects fat
burning and storage.
The Pancreatic Hormones
The endocrine function of the pancreas is performed in tiny clusters of
cells known as islets of Langerhans. There are four types of cells in the
islets; each cell type secretes a different hormone:
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α cells are responsible for
secreting the hormone glucagon;
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β cells secrete insulin;
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δ cells secrete
somatostatin;
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PP cells secrete pancreatic
polypeptide.
These hormones are released into the blood stream via capillaries located in
close proximity to the islets of Langerhans. Only insulin and glucagon are
directly involved in fat burning and storage.
Insulin
The main purpose of insulin is to transport glucose (which is derived from
carbohydrates and is the main source of fuel for the body) into the cells,
where it is either used right away or stored in the muscles as molecules
called glycogen for later use.
The energy stored as glycogen is used to fuel the muscles during physical
activity; when glycogen stores are depleted – whether through intense
exercise or overnight, during sleep – they need to be replenished; this is
accomplished by consuming carbohydrates in the form of starches or sugar.
However, when the glycogen stores are full and additional carbohydrates are
consumed, insulin is forced to store the resulting glucose as fat, or
adipose tissue.
Insulin, Obesity and Diabetes
When carbohydrates are frequently consumed in excess, insulin levels in the
blood remain chronically high, leading to
insulin resistance by the cells of
the body and causing blood sugar to be stored as fat rather than used for
energy. Over time, these conditions can result in obesity, which in turn may
lead to Type II diabetes –a serious medical condition with long-term,
life-threatening health consequences.
Glucagon
Although glucagon, like insulin, is secreted by the pancreas, it functions
in essentially the opposite manner. When the levels of glucose in the blood
are low, glucagon is triggered and stimulates the mobilization of glycogen
stores to provide fuel for the body. Once the glycogen stores are used up,
glucagon triggers a process known as gluconeogenesis, the conversion of fats
into glycogen. The glycogen is then converted by glucagon to glucose, which
can then be used for energy.
Keeping the Balance
To simplify this complex chain of events, you can follow them to the end
result: insulin stores energy in fat cells, and glucagon burns fat for
energy. Under ideal circumstances, these two processes balance each other
out; however, numerous factors can affect the equation.
Whether you are overweight or not, whether you get plenty of exercise or
lead a sedentary lifestyle, and the types and quantities of the foods you
eat can all determine whether glucagon and insulin work together correctly.
When insulin and glucagon levels are in a state of imbalance, you may
experience a number of problems: food cravings, drastic changes in blood
sugar levels, accumulation of adipose tissue, mood swings and muscle loss
are just some of the effects of insulin and glucagon imbalances.
To avoid these problems, make sure that you consistently eat a healthy diet;
include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, heart-healthy
fats and lean protein in your meal planning. Avoid fasting and crash diets,
and make physical activity a part of your daily routine. If you are
overweight, talk to your doctor about the best weight loss program for your
condition. With proper management, you can ensure optimum pancreatic
function.
Sweating & Perspiration Problems during exercise
How Much Quantity of Water Drink
During Training
Should We Eat Before or After
Exercising?
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before starting any new diet.
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