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Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids (PUFAs) Make Our Cells Resistant to Insulin

insulin resistance pufas

Let’s continue putting the pieces of the PUFA puzzle together, shall we? One of the two main drivers of insulin resistance (aside from iron) is polyunsaturated fatty acids. How?
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〰️When incorporated into cells — due to their unsaturated and unstable structure — they interfere with proper cell signaling.
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This is why saturated fats are key to restoring metabolic health. They improve cell structure and signaling, improving the response to insulin.🚦
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〰️They inhibit the breakdown of insulin between 50-90%, contributing to hyperinsulinemia.
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〰️They cause damage to the beta cells of the pancreas, which produce insulin.
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“Brief exposures to polyunsaturated fatty acids can damage the insulin-secreting cells of the pancreas, and the mitochondria in which oxidative energy production takes place. Prolonged exposure causes progressive damage.” — Dr. Ray Peat
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〰️They stimulate the release of stress hormones which increases lipolysis, producing more free fatty acids and perpetuating the insulin resistance cycle.
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〰️They inhibit the conversion of glucose (blood sugar) to glycogen (stored glucose) and into lactic acid instead (not good).
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〰️We also can’t discount the impact stress has on insulin resistance either. Stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol cause fatty acids to be released from storage (especially if the liver has run out of glycogen) and protein breakdown to create blood sugar. Since our body is more likely to store PUFA over more stable fats (and we’ve been loading up on them over the past 50 years), these fatty acids being released are likely PUFA, also contributing to the insulin resistance cycle.
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This is one of the reasons balancing our blood sugar is SO important. Controlling blood sugar = less stress on the body = less inflammatory fats being released = better insulin response.
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Of course, we can’t remove all PUFAs from our diet. But an easy way to start minimizing exposure is to rethink those refined nut and seed oils in your pantry.
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Some food for thought!

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This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare professional before pursuing any changes to your personal healthcare regime.

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References

Functional Performance Systems. (2003). Long Chain Fats Decrease Insulin Metabolism. Retrieved from: https://www.functionalps.com/blog/2012/02/21/long-chain-fats-decrease-insulin-metabolism/.

Haidut. (2020). Dietary PUFA in childhood causes diabetes and irreversible (male) infertility. Retrieved from: http://haidut.me/?p=1265.

Haidut. (2020). PUFA may drive obesity, insulin resistance, liver issues in diabetes II patients. Retrieved from: http://haidut.me/?p=978.

Peat, R. (2006). Diabetes, scleroderma, oils and hormones. Retrieved from: http://raypeat.com/articles/articles/diabetes.shtml.

Peat, R. (2007). Suitable Fats, Unsuitable Fats: Issues in Nutrition. Retrieved from: https://raypeat.com/articles/articles/unsuitablefats.shtml.

Peat, R. (2009). Glycemia, starch, and sugar in context. Retrieved from: http://raypeat.com/articles/articles/glycemia.shtml

Peat, R. (2012). Sugar issues. Retrieved from: https://raypeat.com/articles/articles/sugar-issues.shtml.

Rubin, J. Rubin, J. (2014). Saturated Fact. Retrieved from: https://eastwesthealing.com/wp-content/uploads/edd/2016/04/Saturated-Fact-Final-PDF.pdf.

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Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here. While the owner of this website tries to keep the information up to date, there may be things that are out-of-date and out of their control.