Can someone explain insulin, and how it relates to working out?

Rudee

Lifer
Apr 23, 2000
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The hormones Insulin (and glucagon) are master controllers of metabolism. With very high insulin levels you can't lose fat easily, Conversely, with insufficient insulin you can't help losing fat (and muscle) without anabolic insulin to counterbalance the catabolic effects of glucagon. Insulin is also anabolic. Not only does it move sugar into the muscles, but amino acids as well. Insulin enhances muscle growth by moving the raw materials needed for muscle growth into the muscles. IGF (a very powerful anabolic hormone) relies on the presence of insulin. Too much insulin, however, can be fatal. People who produce too much insulin have a high risk of Type II diabetes. Type I diabetes is where the pancreas doesn't produce enough insulin, symptomatic of a large weightloss.