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Insulin plays an important role when it comes to fat oxidation. The significant factor when it comes to fat storage is the level of insulin in the blood as it increases the storage of fat and prevents fat from being oxidized.

When there is excess glucose in the bloodstream, known as hyperglycemia, insulin is released from the pancreas to help stabilize blood sugar. Insulin then encourages the storage of glucose as glycogen in the liver, muscle and fat cells leading to weight gain. This is the body’s response to the consumption of carbohydrates (predominantly) and proteins. However, higher Glycaemic Index (GI) foods tend to be absorbed into the bloodstream quicker causing a more dramatic effect on blood sugar levels. When excessive carbohydrates are consumed for extended periods, this can lead to insulin resistance causing blood sugar levels to remain high further reducing the ability to utilize fat metabolism.

Insulin's role is protective of the whole so that body parts can rebuild and maintain integrity of internal systems as well as keep energy stores at an optimum and safe levels. Insulin sensitivity (IS) and insulin work together as a protective mechanism responding to the amount of sugar in the bloodstream. Research shows that IS is actually increased when you lower your weight or body fat percentage. It's also important to note that the more you train, the more responsive it will be.

The catabolic effect of exercise increases IS during a work out and for about 30-45 minutes post workout highlighting the significance of restricting a response if weight loss is your goal. Everyone has a unique IS set up, governed by a whole host of internal factors determined by somatotype (body type). Those who have high levels of IS and strong insulin responses inherently struggle to lose weight more than those with lower levels. This therefore, highlights the importance of keeping high GI/starchy carbs low and leaning more towards fats as an energy source. The body is more than happy using fat as fuel source to carry out cellular processes, it’s only the brain that requires carbs as a source.

References
Burke, L, Kiens, B, Ivy, J. 2004. Carbohydrates and fat for training and recovery. Journal of Sports Sciences
Cartee, G, Funai. K. 2009. Exercise and Insulin: Convergence or Divergence at AS160 and TBC1D1? Exerc Sport Sci Rev; 37(4):188-195.
Laws G, Reaven, A. 1999. Insulin resistance : the metabolic syndrome X. Totowa, NJ: Humana Press. doi:10.1226/0896035883. ISBN 0-89603-588-3.
Wolcott, W, Fahey, T. 2002. The metabolic typing diet: Broadway books
Taylor, P. 2008. Food Comparison: Apple vs doughnut. ptonthenet.com content

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