Fructose metabolism differs from glucose metabolism from "summary" of Fat Chance by Robert H. Lustig
Fructose is metabolized differently from glucose. When you consume glucose, it stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas, which then tells the body to burn that excess glucose for energy or store it as fat. Glucose is metabolized in every cell in the body, and the liver plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels by storing excess glucose as glycogen or converting it into fat. In contrast, fructose is metabolized almost exclusively in the liver. When you consume fructose, it is taken up by liver cells and converted into glucose, glycogen, lactate, and fat. This process does not stimulate the release of insulin, leading to lower levels of the hormone in the bloodstream. Fructose also fails to suppress the production of ghrelin, a hormone that tells the brain you are hungry, which can lead to increased caloric consumption. The metabolism of fructose in the liver produces harmful byproducts, such as uric acid and free radicals, which can contribute to the development of chronic diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and fatty liver disease. Excessive fructose consumption can also lead to insulin resistance, a condition in which cells in the body no longer respond properly to insulin's signals, causing blood sugar levels to rise. Furthermore, the metabolism of fructose can promote fat accumulation in the liver, leading to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a condition that affects about one in three Americans. NAFLD is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.- The differences in fructose and glucose metabolism highlight the importance of understanding the impact of different types of carbohydrates on our health. By limiting our consumption of fructose-containing foods and beverages, we can reduce our risk of developing chronic diseases and improve our overall well-being.
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