How does meal composition affect the insulin to glucagon ratio?
Insulin is secreted as a response to increased blood sugar levels. Blood sugar levels are increased after carbohydrate consumption so insulin is super sensitive to carbohydrates. Glucagon is secreted as a response to a decrease in blood sugar levels. Also, glucagon production is stimulated by protein intake. Studies made on how meal composition affects the insulin to glucagon ratio have concluded that: • After a mixed meal containing carbohydrates, protein and fats both insulin and glucagon levels rise but the insulin raise exceeds that of glucagon. • After a protein and fat rich meal containing little or no carbohydrates, glucagon raises much more then insulin. Based on these conclusions, you should make the following optimization Include protein with every meal and limit the amount of carbohydrates eaten at every non post workout meal. to make sure that a good amount of body fat is mobilized and “used for fuel”.
