The science.
High blood sugar occurs when there is too much glucose or sugar in the bloodstream that cells cannot absorb quickly enough. Consistently high elevations in blood glucose can lead to a process called glycation. This is a state where excess sugar molecules attach to proteins and fats to form harmful molecules known as Advanced Glycation End-products (AGEs). Over a long enough period AGEs can accumulate and contribute to cellular stress and inflammation by triggering the production and release of inflammatory and other harmful molecules, as well as impairing antioxidative defences.
The result of this increased inflammation is that the pancreas starts to become damaged. The pancreas supports several metabolic processes and helps to control blood sugar through the actions of insulin, a hormone produced by cells in the pancreas called beta cells. Insulin works to lower circulating blood sugar levels by attaching itself to the surface of cells (in particular muscle and fat cells) where it signals for special sugar transporters called GLUTs to help move glucose into the cell where they can be used as energy. This process also serves to lower levels of sugar in the bloodstream.
When there is an excess of sugar in the blood for long periods of time, the cells become less sensitive to insulin. This results in the pancreas having to produce more insulin so that the cells can absorb sugar properly. In addition to this, and because of the higher levels of sugar in circulation, the beta cells of the cells become inflamed and unable to produce insulin. This creates a negative cycle as the body cannot clear the high levels of sugar because of the dysfunction happening at the level of the pancreas which which leads to the development of conditions such as type 2 diabetes, weight gain and cardiovascular disease.
Glucose Disposal Agents.
Glucose Disposal Agents (GDAs) are supplements that are designed to help the body better manage and utilise blood glucose more effectively. They work to improve the cell’s ability to absorb sugar, reduce pancreatic inflammation and increase the function of the GLUT transporters that move sugar from the blood stream into the cell.
Whilst GDAs work in multiple ways they tend to share one core mechanism, which is to activate an energy-sensing pathway and enzyme called AMPK. This molecule increases cellular glucose uptake and increases insulin sensitivity at the level of the muscle helping the the clearance of excess sugar from the blood. AMPK also increases the number of glucose transporters like GLUT4. These are transporters that help move glucose into muscles in the body thereby reducing sugar levels in the bloodstream.
By supporting these mechanisms, Glucose Disposal Agents can help maintain healthy blood sugar levels and support a healthy metabolism.
