Breakdown

• Insulin is the primary hormone in the body that is used to breakdown glucose. Glucose is what carbohydrates turn into when they are consumed. They are either used for energy right away or stored in the liver and muscles in the form of glycogen. When the body's glycogen stores are full, any carbs eaten after that can lead to weight gain.
  
  

Fast Release

• Insulin is released by the pancreas after ingestion of carbs to stabilize blood sugar levels. If the carbs that were ingested are what's called "simple carbs," they will spike the blood sugars rapidly. In turn, this will cause insulin to be released rapidly as well. This can lead to peaks and valleys in daily energy levels. On the other hand, when complex carbs are eaten, the opposite affect happens. Blood sugars don't get spiked as quickly and insulin is released at a slower pace. This leads to more sustained energy.
  
  

Insulin Reisitance

• Often times, people develop a condition that is known as insulin resistance. This is a condition where the tissues in your body stop reacting to the release of insulin. Diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol sometimes all occur simultaneously. When these cumulative disorders all take place at the same time, it is called insulin resistance syndrome.
  
  

Diabetes

• Diabetes is a very talked about condition that keeps getting more notoriety every day. There are two types of diabetes that can occur. They are Type I and Type II. The reason for diabetes lies with the pancreas. In Type I diabetes, which is the more serious kind, the pancreas does not release insulin at all. For this reason, insulin shots need to be taken to regulate the glucose molecules that are flowing through the blood. In Type II diabetes, the pancreas still releases insulin, but it is not at optimal levels. In this case, medications can be taken. Both of these situations can occur at birth or they can happen over the course of time. Dietary and lifestyle changes are also recommended for both such as carb counting and avoiding excessive amounts of alcohol and sweets.