
Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast - Presented by TrainerRoad THE TRUTH ABOUT CARBS FOR CYCLISTS | Dr. Kyle Pfaffenbach | Ask a Cycling Coach Podcast 528
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Apr 24, 2025 Dr. Kyle Pfaffenbach, a nutrition expert and coach at Eastern Oregon University, joins the conversation to unravel the complexities of carbohydrates for cyclists. They tackle the controversial question of high carb intake and its link to diabetes, deep-diving into insulin's regulatory role. Insights on insulin resistance highlight the importance of exercise and diet. The discussion emphasizes the significance of A1C readings and the need for balanced carbohydrate consumption, while also shedding light on the impacts of processed sugar on health and performance.
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Insulin: Growth Hormone and Risks
- Insulin is a powerful anabolic hormone released in response to high calorie intake at rest, promoting growth and recovery.
- Overconsuming simple carbs without physical activity causes cells to become resistant to insulin's growth signals, risking metabolic dysregulation.
Insulin Resistance as Protection
- Intermittent fasting lowers insulin and related growth factors, allowing cells to perform housekeeping and reduce over-stimulation risks.
- Insulin resistance may be a protective mechanism by cells to avoid uncontrolled growth signaling without appropriate stimuli.
Challenges in Insulin Measurement
- Measuring insulin in blood is difficult due to its transient nature and complexity of regulation with hormones like glucagon.
- Blood test reference ranges simplify a complex continuum, making diagnoses like prediabetes a practical but imperfect tool.
