Fructose and Insulin resistance

Every cell in the body uses glucose for energy and glucose moves around the body freely. Fructose, which is the sugar found in fruit, cannot be used by the brain or muscles for energy. It is solely used by the liver. Therefore, fructose does not affect insulin levels or blood sugar levels directly.

The reason fructose has been linked to diabetes and obesity is due to the way the body metabolizes fructose. When we eat large quantities of fructose, it goes straight to the liver, since it is the only organ that can utilize it. The liver turns fructose into glucose, lactose and glycogen and during its breakdown the protein, fiber, and fat are eliminated, which decreases the satiety of the food. Therefore, when we digest fructose, especially high fructose corn syrup, it is digested quicker, we feel less full, and as a result we eat more which increases our blood sugar. When we have stored our maximum amount of glucose as glycogen, the rest of the fructose is stored as liver fat. This fatty liver plays a major role in insulin resistance. Insulin resistance leads to increased insulin production, which the leads back to more insulin resistance.

One solution is to avoid high fructose corn syrup and processed foods. Also, if you are diabetic, it is a good idea to eat fruit with a protein and limit your intake.