In the realm of low-carb diets, particularly those advocating for high meat intake like ketogenic or carnivore diets, insulin often takes a demonized stance. However, the narrative isn't as straightforward. While reducing insulin can be beneficial in some scenarios, a nuanced understanding of insulin's role is vital, especially in individuals who have achieved a stable metabolic health.

Insulin is an anabolic hormone not only involved in storing fat but also in the synthesis of new protein, essential for cognitive functions like forming new memories. In a healthy metabolic state, it is crucial to not entirely suppress insulin. This allows insulin to fulfill its natural roles effectively.

For those on sustained low-carb diets, a critical issue emerges when insulin spikes become rare or diminished, and glucagon, a catabolic hormone, remains unchecked. Central to this discussion are the works of Dr. Roger Unger, who detailed the interplay between insulin and glucagon produced in the pancreas. During periods of glucose consumption, insulin spikes temporarily shut off glucagon. Without these spikes, glucagon prompts the breakdown of stored sugars and muscle protein, maintaining a catabolic state and hindering anabolic processes.

An inadequate insulin response leads to a variety of metabolic disruptions. High glucagon activity under low insulin is linked to unrestrained glucose output from the liver despite nutritional intake — described as "metabolic mayhem." Over time, the customary signals for increasing insulin production in a carb-driven diet undergo significant changes, which can foster several health issues, including hypertension and fat buildup in organs, contributing to conditions like atherosclerosis.

Prolonged insulin resistance can lead to ectopic fat deposits in organs such as the liver and heart, resulting in inflamed adipose tissues and lipotoxicity. This excess fat accelerates cellular aging and poses potential vascular degeneration threats, thus requiring careful dietary planning to mitigate such risks.

For individuals with poor metabolic health, a high fat intake initially is inadvisable. Instead, they should engage in a low-carb, high-protein, and low-fat regimen combined with fasting and exercise. Once metabolic health markers—like triglyceride levels, HDL, and LDL particle quality—indicate improvement, dietary fat reintroduction can be gradually considered.

• Reduction in triglycerides.
• Shift in LDL from small to larger, fluffy particles.
• Increase in HDL levels.
• Significant weight loss and lowered blood pressure.