Ribose is a monosaccharide, or simple sugar, that is found naturally in the body. It also is used as a supplement, especially as a source of quick energy after extreme physical exercise. Individuals with insulin resistance have difficulties absorbing glucose, or blood sugar, from the bloodstream. Ribose may be beneficial to these individuals, as it can aid the cells in taking in glucose from the bloodstream and prevent sugar stores from breaking down.
The Effects of Ribose on Insulin and Glycogen
Ribose increases the production of insulin in the pancreas. Insulin is a hormone that signals to the cells when glucose is available in the bloodstream. The excess secretion of insulin stimulates healthy cells to quickly absorb glucose from the bloodstream. This can give rise to a burst of energy. Ribose also has an inhibitory effect on phosphoglucomutase, an enzyme in the liver that is involved in the breakdown of glycogen, a stored form of sugar. Ribose thus lowers blood glucose levels along two different routes. It helps cells absorb glucose from the bloodstream more quickly, and it inhibits the release of glucose from the liver.
Insulin Resistance
A diet high in carbohydrates, the main source of glucose, can cause fluctuations in blood glucose. Over time, these fluctuations can cause insulin receptors on the cell surfaces to gradually shut down. This is the condition known as insulin resistance. When the insulin receptors shut down, cells that depend on insulin cannot absorb glucose from the bloodstream. So glucose accumulates in the blood.
Consequences of Insulin Resistance
Chronically elevated blood sugar levels are strongly associated with obesity, high blood pressure, high levels of low-density lipoprotein, or bad cholesterol, and low levels of high-density lipoprotein, or good cholesterol. Together with insulin resistance, this range of conditions is known as metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome is a major risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.
Ribose and Insulin Resistance
Insulin resistance is normally controlled with a low-carbohydrate diet, exercise and blood glucose medications. Ribose supplements also may help prevent aggravation of the condition. A study published in the January 1970 issue of “Diabetes” shows that ribose can lower blood glucose levels in individuals with mild to normal cases of insulin resistance but not in individuals with severe cases of insulin resistance. Though insulin receptors shut down in individuals with insulin resistance, they do not shut down all at once. The excess insulin secreted after consumption of ribose may speed up the uptake of glucose by the cells with functional insulin receptors. At the same time, ribose ensures that the glycogen stores in the liver remain intact.
