Low Salt Diet and Insulin Resistance

Abstract

It is well known that high sodium intake is closely associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease, but the effect of low sodium intake on insulin resistance is not clear. In this article, we summarize findings from previous studies focusing on the association between low sodium intake and insulin resistance. While many investigations on this topic have been conducted actively, their major findings are inconsistent, partly due to different study designs. Thus, additional randomized controlled trials with an adequate study period and reasonable levels of low sodium intake are needed.

The association between dietary sodium intake and adiposity, inflammation, and hormone markers: A preliminary study

“…intake was associated with insulin level and that abundant dietary sodium increased insulin resistance, key markers for inflammation and endocrine metabolism. [20][21][22] In line with these findings, although some evidence suggested that the inflammation responses by sodium level may be obesity independent, we still could not dismiss the potential links underlying dietary sodium, obesity, inflammation, and hormone metabolism. Korea has among the highest sodium consumption worldwide.…”

“…Although some controversies exist, observational and intervention studies have found that low dietary intake was associated with decreased insulin resistance. 20 A number of possible mechanisms have been proposed for the association, including that lower sodium intake decreases leptin, which reduces abdominal fat cells, resulting in lower adiposity and insulin resistance. 26 A second proposition is that lower intake of dietary sodium modifies the expression of glucose transporter type-4 protein in adipocytes and may therefore improve insulin sensitivity.…”

Powerful diuretics: A common denominator in landmark hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus trials

“…Severe and excessive salt restriction are linked to insulin resistance, elevated blood lipids, and increased uric acid production. Insulin resistance in these scenarios has largely been attributed to the activation of the renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone and sympathetic nervous systems . There are thus similarities in the benefits and adverse effects of thiazide diuretics, thiazide‐like diuretics, and salt restriction.…”

“…Insulin resistance in these scenarios has largely been attributed to the activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone and sympathetic nervous systems. [19][20][21][22][23] There are thus similarities in the benefits and adverse effects of thiazide diuretics, thiazide-like diuretics, and salt restriction.…”

Modern Recommendations of Salt Restriction - Based on Facts or Fiction?

“…So it is not surprising that studies found salt restriction in animals and humans to be causal for retardation of fetal growth, leading to low birth weight and the underdevelopment of cardiovascular organs [13]. Hyunwoo et al examined the relation between salt restriction and insulin resistance, and found a positive association in at least 9 out of 25 studies, with very heterogeneous designs, indicating potential effects of low sodium diets on insulin resistance [14]. Published 1993, Overlack et al could show an alarming heart rate rising effect of salt restriction [15].…”