Insulin response difference

The main message of the figure highlights the differences in insulin response after consuming the three main macronutrients – carbohydrates, protein and fat:

Carbohydrate

Carbohydrate intake triggers the fastest and highest insulin spike, occurring approximately 40 minutes after consumption.

Protein

Protein consumption also causes an insulin response, but it occurs more slowly and with a lower peak than in the case of carbohydrates.

Fat

The insulin response from fat is the lowest and longest-lasting – characterized by a prolonged, slow rise and fall.

In summary

All macronutrients cause an increase in insulin levels after a meal, but their magnitude and time course vary significantly, with carbohydrates causing the most pronounced response and fat the mildest .