Insulin Signaling
Insulin → receptor → IRS-1 → GLUT4 translocation; cofactor-heavy chain
When insulin binds its receptor, it triggers a cascade through IRS-1 and Akt that moves GLUT4 transporters to the cell surface so glucose can enter. Each link in that chain is enzyme-driven and cofactor-dependent. Chromium is essential for receptor sensitivity. Magnesium is the cofactor for every kinase in the chain — magnesium-deficient people are reproducibly more insulin resistant. Zinc is the cofactor for the enzymes that store insulin in pancreatic beta cells. Omega-3 and fiber don't sit IN the pathway but modulate it from the outside (membrane fluidity + blunted glucose spikes). This is the cellular reason metabolic syndrome is fundamentally a 'cofactor depletion' state.
The load-bearing nutrients — if these are deficient, this pathway slows down. Click any to see daily targets, food sources, and supplements that supply it.
Nutrients that contribute to this pathway but aren’t the single load-bearing inputs.
Pathways that share a load-bearing cofactor with this one.