Dr. Benjamin Bikman is a professor of pathophysiology and biomedical scientist at Brigham Young University, renowned for his research on the molecular mediators of obesity and its co-morbidities. With a Ph.D. in Bioenergetics and postdoctoral training in metabolic disorders from the Duke-National University of Singapore, Dr. Bikman focuses on understanding the role of insulin resistance and ketones in metabolic health, frequently publishing his findings in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at international conferences.
Early Life and Education
Born in a small farm town in Southern Alberta, Canada, Benjamin Bikman was the ninth of thirteen children. He developed an early interest in the body's adaptations to exercise, which led him to pursue an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science at Brigham Young University. Following his mission in Samara, Russia, he continued his academic journey at East Carolina University, where he earned a Ph.D. in Bioenergetics under the mentorship of Dr. Lynis Dohm. His research focus shifted from exercise adaptations to the progression of obesity. He further honed his expertise during a postdoctoral fellowship at the Duke-National University of Singapore Medical School, working with Dr. Scott Summers on metabolic disorders[1][2][3][4].
Research Focus on Insulin Resistance
Dr. Ben Bikman's research primarily investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying insulin resistance and its role in metabolic disorders such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and dementia. His work emphasizes the contrasting effects of insulin and ketones on metabolic function, exploring how chronic elevation of insulin can lead to significant and harmful changes in tissue metabolism. Dr. Bikman advocates for the inclusion of fasting insulin tests in diagnosing and treating type 2 diabetes, highlighting the importance of understanding both pathological and physiological insulin resistance. His studies also delve into the relationship between triglycerides and insulin, and the impact of dietary macronutrients on insulin homeostasis and mitochondrial function[1][2][3][4][5].
Contributions to Ketogenic Diet Research
Dr. Ben Bikman has significantly contributed to the understanding of the ketogenic diet's impact on metabolic health. His research highlights how ketones, as metabolic signaling molecules, offer a metabolic advantage by enhancing energy utilization in fat and muscle tissues. This state promotes increased lean body mass and improved mitochondrial function, particularly in muscle cells, making them more robust and resistant to injury. Additionally, Dr. Bikman's studies indicate that ketones can improve ATP production in failing hearts, suggesting a therapeutic potential for heart failure patients. His advocacy for the ketogenic diet is rooted in its efficacy in reversing insulin resistance, a key factor in obesity and type 2 diabetes[1][2][3][5].
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