There are already quite a few studies on the benefits allulose has on improving insulin sensitivity and blood sugar management. We've included quite a few links to studies here. That is one of the main reasons we love allulose and created this company.
Recently, there have been advancements with diabetes medications that focus on allulose and GLP-1. Medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy are getting a lot of attention lately. We are just starting to better understand the importance and function of GLP-1 in our bodies.
So what is GLP-1?
GLP-1 stands for Glucagon-Like Peptide-1. It's a hormone that plays a crucial role in controlling blood sugar levels and digestion. Here's a simple breakdown of what it is and why it's important:
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What is GLP-1?
- GLP-1 is a type of hormone called an incretin hormone. Incretins are released from the gut after eating and they signal to the body to release insulin, which helps lower blood sugar levels.
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How is GLP-1 produced?
- GLP-1 is produced in the intestines. When you eat, food travels to your intestines, where it triggers the cells to release GLP-1 into the bloodstream.
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Why do we need GLP-1?
- It helps keep blood sugar levels stable by triggering the pancreas to release insulin, which helps cells absorb sugar from the blood.
- It slows down digestion, making you feel full for longer after eating.
- It prevents the liver from making too much glucose (sugar).
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Benefits of GLP-1:
- Helps manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
- Promotes weight loss because it helps decrease appetite and slows stomach emptying.
- Lowers risk for heart disease in some people with type 2 diabetes by improving blood sugar control and potentially having beneficial effects on blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
So basically, GLP-1 helps manage how the body handles blood sugar and digestion, which is essential for maintaining energy levels, preventing type 2 diabetes, and supporting overall metabolic health.
This new class of drugs is basically a synthetic version of GLP-1. It's main purpose are the benefits for diabetics in helping manage blood sugar levels but the other benefits of suppressing appetite through slowing digestion leads to significant weight loss and reduced obesity.
With the increased attention on GLP-1, we're seeing more studies come out showing that allulose also induces GLP-1.
There is some research suggesting that allulose may have an effect on GLP-1 levels:
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Stimulating GLP-1 Secretion:
- Some studies have shown that allulose can stimulate the release of GLP-1 from the intestines. This is similar to what happens when one consumes carbohydrates, although the effect with allulose might be less pronounced.
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Potential Benefits:
- By increasing GLP-1 secretion, allulose might help improve insulin secretion in response to meals, thereby potentially improving blood sugar control and reducing the risk of type 2 diabetes.
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Appetite Regulation:
- Since GLP-1 is known to slow gastric emptying and promote a feeling of fullness, allulose might indirectly contribute to appetite regulation and weight management.
It's still early and much more research needs to be done but these early studies are promising.
- PLoS One, April 2023 - Allulose for the attenuation of postprandial blood glucose levels in healthy humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis
- Nutrients, June 2023 - A Pilot Study on the Efficacy of a Diabetic Diet Containing the Rare Sugar D-Allulose in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Prospective, Randomized, Single-Blind, Crossover Study
- Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, July 2022 - D-Allulose cooperates with glucagon-like peptide-1 and activates proopiomelanocortin neurons in the arcuate nucleus and central injection inhibits feeding in mice
- Nutrients, July 2022 - d-Allulose Inhibits Ghrelin-Responsive, Glucose-Sensitive and Neuropeptide Y Neurons in the Arcuate Nucleus and Central Injection Suppresses Appetite-Associated Food Intake in Mice
- Nature Communications, January 2018 - GLP-1 release and vagal afferent activation mediate the beneficial metabolic and chronotherapeutic effects of D-allulose
We're looking forward to seeing more long term and larger scale studies. The current volume of studies around insulin regulation, blood sugar management, GLP-1 inducement are all very promising. Coupled with allulose being zero glycemic and a great tasting sugar alternative, allulose is an ideal choice for sweetening our range of products.