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Effects of Leptin on Insulin

Leptin is a hormone produced in the fat cells to regulate appetite. Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas, allowing other cells to absorb glucose for energy. If your body produces too much insulin, glucose tolerance is impaired, leading to a condition called type 2 diabetes. Overproduction of leptin can cause cell "indifference" and weight gain.

  1. Significance

    • Further studies may eliminate the need for some medications.

      Insulin levels are determined by leptin. Leptin also controls thyroid levels, body temperature, the accumulation of fat in the mid-section and the ability to burn that fat.

    Effects

    • Fat Cells

      Inflammation plays a role in the progression of diabetes. Leptin controls the production of potent inflammatory drugs from our fat cells. Obesity has long been associated with the cause of type 2 diabetes, but the reason wasn't fully known. Recent research regarding leptin's inflammatory effects on the body have led scientists to suggest that leptin may be the missing link.

    Leptin Resistance

    • Apple-shaped bodies are linked to diabetes.

      Leptin tells your fat where to go; therefore, if your body is resistant to leptin, your fat will accumulate in your belly, giving you the "apple shape" that is linked to diabetes. Some fat is soaked into the liver, hindering the liver's ability to control healthy insulin function.

    Importance of Leptin

    • Leptin controls the portion of the brain that regulates the thyroid hormones. It affects the nervous system, blood pressure, adrenal stress response, cortisol levels, osteoporosis and diabetes.

    Summary

    • Normal leptin secretion after a meal will suppress hunger, burn fat and reduce fat stores. However, if you are leptin-resistant, that message doesn't get through to the brain and mimics low leptin levels. Consequently, you remain hungry and store (rather than burn) more fat. In addition, your sugar will be elevated, and insulin resistance will increase.

    Solution

    • A healthy diet is the best medicine.

      Creating a leptin sensitivity will improve insulin levels and the brain's ability to "hear" what your body needs and does not need. Your brain will find where you have been storing fat and use it to feed your cells. A diet of good fats and sugar-leveling foods will improve insulin levels and leptin sensitivity and will create harmony in your body.

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