Atherosclerosis: an insulin-dependent disease?

Abstract

Evidence is reviewed that dietary habits in industrially developed countries, especially an increased frequency of ingestion of foods of high energy density, may contribute to excessive hepatic cholesterol synthesis and to a preponderance of lipogenic versus lipolytic effects on the arterial intima, thereby favoring the formation and progression of atheroma. These effects are mediated by the rise and fall of circulating insulin levels. The evidence is suggestive of the possibility that frequent and prolonged exposure of the arterial wall to high circulating levels of insulin may favor the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Research on diet-atherosclerosis relationships should take into account not only overall diet composition but individual meal composition and size and their effects on serum insulin levels, as well as meal spacing and the relative durations of absorptive and postabsorptive periods during the 24-hour daily cycle.

How Much Physical Activity Is Good For Health

“…diabetes mellitus is approximately two to three times higher than that in normoglycemic individuals (53). Recent research has further shown that insulin enhances the proliferation of arterial smooth-muscle cells and stimu lates lipogenesis in arterial tissue (34). Not surprisingly, hyperinsulinemia has also been linked to an accentuated risk for acute myocardial infarction, even in nondiabetic men (24).…”

Glycaemic responses and hypocholesterolaemic effects of high-amylose barley diets on broiler chicks

“…Behall et al (1989) also reported a lowering of blood triglycerides and cholesterol in subjects consuming high-amylose maize starch. The Ñat-tened insulin response observed with amylose may also be beneÐcial for hyperlipidaemic subjects because high insulin levels have been implicated in the development of thickened arterial walls and lesions (Ducimetiere et al 1980 ;Flodin 1986). Jenkins et al (1987) reported that products giving low glucose and insulin responses are e †ective in the treatment of both hyperlipidaemia and diabetes.…”

Effect of Cooling, and Freezing on the Digestibility of Debranched Rice Starch and Physical Properties of the Resulting Material

“…Elevated plasma glucose or insulin levels after a glucose load have been associated with non-insulin dependent diabetes [3] and cardiovascular diseases [4]. Low glycemic index foods or foods containing SDS maybe helpful in controlling and preventing these diseases.…”