There are possible multiple effects leading to insulin resistance. Inefficient transport of glucose, damaged insulin receptors, obesity, and many other aspects involving insulin and glucose, may all promote insulin resistance. It is often noted that glucose gets inside the cell, but is not utilized. This results in glucose not being converted into the energy currency of the body, called ATP. The glucose accumulates inside cells. This is a form of insulin insensitivity.

The citric acid cycle is responsible for converting glucose into ATP. If the citric acid cycle is not working properly, this will lead to the accumulation of glucose. The citric acid cycle functions efficiently, when respiration is optimized. This means it needs oxygen. (From Harper's Biochemistry 25th Edition, "absence (anoxia) or partial deficiency (hypoxia) of O2 causes total or partial inhibition of the cycle (citric acid cycle - Page 183)". Also, "which allows the respiratory chain to function at the maximum rate until the tissue has become virtually depleted of O2 ((Ref. Robert K. Murray, MD, Ph.D., Daryl K. Granmer, MD, Peter A. Mayes, Ph.D., D.Sc., Victor W. Fodwell, Ph.D., Harper's Biochemistry, 25th Edition, Appleton & Lance, Stanford, Connecticut, 2000, Page140)." Thus the primary rate limiting factor in the respiratory chain, where glucose is converted to ATP, is availability of oxygen. Until oxygen has become depleted, the citric acid cycle can function at normal efficiency.

The respiratory chain (citric acid cycle) works less efficiently, when fatty oxidation levels are increasing. From Harper's Biochemistry, "fatty acids inhibit glycolysis (the conversion of glucose into ATP) at several steps and stimulate gluconeogenesis (Page 617)." Glucose will accumulate in cells when fats inhibit the respiratory process. So reducing triglycerides and fats in the bloodstream will improve insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, the process of gluconeogensis is mentioned. Gluconeogensis is the synthesis of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources, such as fat and protein. This means fatty acids are stimulating the production of additional glucose, made from fats and proteins, which will add to blood sugar levels.

So there are two ideas being described. Glucose levels are increasing in the bloodstream, because glucose is not being converted to ATP inside cells, and so blood sugar after awhile has no where to go. The second idea is the increase of fatty acids results in more gluconeogensis, which adds to the blood sugar load.

The basis for accumulation of sugar inside cells is the decrease of respiratory processes and the increase of fatty acid oxidation. Therefore, one method to increase respiratory processes would be to take supplements, which are known to increase oxygen in the bloodstream and to the tissues. For example, gingko biloba can increase circulation; ginseng with G115 can increase oxygen to tissues, and so on. You can read the article on the web site www.restoreunity.org, "Understanding Brain Aging in Parkinson's", describing methods to increase the oxygen exchange in the respiratory chain. You can also read the article called, "Increased Energy Production Can Relax Muscles in Parkinson's Disease." This describes methods to improve specific aspects of the respiratory cycle, which can also promote more efficient utilization of glucose. You can also decrease fatty acid oxidation, to improve the respiratory chain. You can read the article on this web site called, "Ketones," which describes methods to reduce fatty acids.

In conclusion, aging is the process of declining efficiency and function. This results in a downward spiral of events, which eventually lead to breakdown, degeneration, and death. The decrease in efficiency of the respiratory chain in diabetes, is an accelerated form of aging, brought on by the conditions of diabetes, involving the decreasing efficiency of metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Increasing the respiratory processes is a method to anti-age, to help improve metabolism, to decrease insulin resistance, increase energy of the body, and many other benefits.


Note – In order for these anti-aging ideas to be successful, you must use supplements of the highest quality. Dr. Bob often said, "almost all supplement companies produce poor quality." You can consider the product page of this web site. Almost all the products met Dr. Bob’s approval. Since he passed away we have attempted to keep the same high standards.

WARNING:  DO NOT STOP ANY TREATMENT OR MEDICATION YOU CURRENTLY USE.  CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE STARTING THE USE OF SUPPLEMENTS. 

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