Insulin

Definition of Insulin:

A hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to elevated blood glucose levels.  Insulin stimulates the liver, muscles, and fat cells to remove glucose from the blood for use or storage.

Topics Related to Insulin

Acidosis

...the condition
“...Diabetes can also increased acid production: an insulin deficit will lead to increased levels of ketones, which acidifies the blood...”

Adult Acne

...recommendation Nutritional Yeast
“High-chromium yeast is known to improve glucose tolerance and enhance insulin sensitivity...”
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More topics Related to Insulin

Aerobic Exercise

...as a treatment
“...Specific benefits of aerobic exercise include ... Decreased insulin requirement; decreased muscle dependence on sugar...”

Alcohol Consumption

...as a treatment
“...What would explain the apparent benefits of alcohol consumption?  ... It reduces blood insulin level...”

Alpha Lipoic Acid

...as a treatment
“...Lipoic acid, like insulin, reduces glycation, enhancing the movement of blood sugar into our cells...”

Anorexia / Starvation Tendency

...our question about Metformin use
“...Metformin reduces sugar release from your liver to prevent blood sugar levels from rising too high, so your body doesn't need to produce as much insulin.  Insulin makes you hungry and causes fat cells in your abdomen to fill with fat...”

Aspirin

...as a treatment
“...In diabetes and borderline diabetes, aspirin magnifies and enhances the effects of insulin and oral hypoglycemic agents...”

Boils, Abscesses, Carbuncles

...the condition
“...Boils and carbuncles are more likely to develop in those with ... Diabetes, especially when treated by injected insulin...”

Carbohydrate Craving

...the condition
“...The term "carbohydrate craving" is used in a theory about the relationship between carbohydrate, insulin and appetite...”
...recommendation Grain-free Diet
“...The grains break down readily into sugar, raising insulin levels which work to perpetuate the craving/addiction.”

Carbohydrate Intolerance

...the condition
“...Under normal circumstances, the pancreas should release just the right amount of insulin needed to process the sugar that results from eating a particular carbohydrate...”

Chromium

...as a treatment
“...Chromium supplements are either niacin-bound (preferred) or salt based, and may be included in weight loss, cholesterol reducing, or insulin (pancreas) supporting products...”
...related topic
“...Chromium aids in insulin utilization and blood sugar control...”

Coffee

...as a treatment
“...Coffee is also high in antioxidants, which lower the risk of developing diabetes by preventing free radicals from causing cellular damage and helping to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism...”

Corticosteroids

...as a treatment
“...Among the drugs that may interact with corticosteroids are: Insulin and diabetes medicines; Heart medicine such as digitalis; Diuretics (water pills); Medicine containing potassium or sodium; Immunizations (vaccinations); Cyclosporine (Sandimmune); Blood...”

Cushing's Syndrome / Hypercortisolism

...the condition
“...These include polycystic ovarian syndrome, which may cause menstrual disturbances, weight gain from adolescence, excess hair growth and sometimes impaired insulin action and diabetes...”

Dandelion

...as a treatment
“...This is probably due to the high amount of inulin (not insulin!), made of fructose chains, which may buffer the glucose levels in the blood...”

Delta-6-Desaturase

...related topic
“...It is deficient or inhibited in diabetes, obesity, older people, and in the presence of insulin, coffee, trans fatty acids, or alcohol...”

Diabetes Mellitus

...related topic
“A disease with increased blood glucose levels due to lack or ineffectiveness of insulin.  Diabetes is found in two forms; insulin-dependent diabetes (juvenile-onset) and non-insulin-dependent (adult-onset)...”

Diabetes Type 1.5

...the condition
“...Type 1.5 is one of several names now applied to those who are diagnosed with diabetes as adults, but who do not immediately require insulin for treatment, are often not overweight, and have little or no resistance to insulin...”
...recommendation Insulin Therapy
“On average, insulin is required in half of those with Type 1.5 diabetes within four years of diagnosis, compared to over ten years in those with true Type 2.”

Diabetes Type I

...the condition
“...Type 1 diabetes sufferers have high blood glucose levels because their body does not have enough of the hormone insulin.  This happens when the immune system attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas and destroys them, causing the pancreas to make little or no insulin...”
...relationship to Alzheimer's Disease
“...Diabetes also disrupts insulin signaling to other cells in the body...”
...recommendation Vitamin Niacinamide
“...The Type I honeymoon period can just be extended 12-18 months and insulin requirements may be less.”
...recommendation Insulin Therapy
“If you have type 1 diabetes, and in some cases if you have type 2 diabetes, you need insulin injections to manage your blood sugar (glucose).”

Diabetes Type II

...the condition
“...It is caused by a combination of insulin resistance (loss of sensitivity to insulin) and insulin deficiency...”
...our question about Your ethnic background
“...Among people who do not have diabetes, insulin levels are higher in Mexican Americans than in non-Hispanic whites, indicating their greater predisposition for developing type 2 diabetes...”
...relationship to Alzheimer's Disease
“...Diabetes also disrupts insulin signaling to other cells in the body...”
...relationship to Diabetes Type 1.5
“...They are often diagnosed as Type 2 because they are older and will initially respond to diabetes medications because they have adequate insulin production...”
...relationship to Excess Sugar Consumption
“...Such a diet tends to be low in chromium content and also causes more insulin to be produced, which requires even more chromium.”
...relationship to Hemochromatosis (Iron overload)
“Iron deposits in the pancreas decrease insulin production which can lead to insulin dependent diabetes mellitus...”
...recommendation Weight Loss
“...Obesity is associated with cellular resistance to insulin, thus more insulin is required to maintain normal sugar levels...”
...recommendation Vitamin Niacinamide
“...Use in diabetic patients should always be monitored by a physician as insulin requirements may change.”
...recommendation Vitamin A
“Recent research shows that Type II diabetics who consumed foods high in vitamin A were the most efficient insulin users...”
...recommendation Processed Foods Avoidance
“...Consuming anything sweet, regardless of its calorific content, may be sending a signal from the mouth to the brain that more insulin is needed.”
...recommendation Increased Fruit/Vegetable Consumption
“Eating carbohydrate-containing foods, including some fruits, temporarily raises blood sugar and insulin levels.  On the other hand, a diet rich in the soluble fiber found in fruit may lower the risk of type 2 diabetes, despite the high carbohydrate content of most fruit...”
...recommendation High/Increased Fiber Diet
“...Both soluble and insoluble fibers delay the emptying of food from the stomach, slow the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream, and thus moderate insulin levels.  A diet high in complex carbohydrates and fiber helps increase tissue sensitivity to insulin, and a diet high in fiber-rich foods should also help those with diabetes to lose and...”
...recommendation Supplemental Fiber
“Higher fiber diets may have additional benefits for those people with diabetes, including reducing blood sugar, lowering insulin and lowering cholesterol...”
...recommendation Conventional Drug Use
“...In the late 1990s, Dr. David Bell, a clinician and researcher in Birmingham, Alabama, wanted to see if he could eliminate insulin use in a group of people with Type 2 Diabetes who were already on insulin by using a combination of oral medications...”
...recommendation Plant-Based Nutrition
“...After 22 weeks on the diet, 43% of those on the vegan diet and 26% of those on the standard diet were either able to stop taking some of their drugs such as insulin or glucose-control medications, or lowered the doses...”
...recommendation Cinnamon
“...Dr. Anderson explained that his research shows that a compound in cinnamon called methylhydroxy chalcone polymer (MHCP) makes fat cells more responsive to insulin by activating an enzyme that causes insulin to bind to cells and inhibiting the enzyme that blocks this process...”
...recommendation Chromium
“Chromium combines with niacin to form Gluten Tolerance Factor (GTF), which works with insulin to help the body use glucose...”
...recommendation Acetyl-L-Carnitine
“The amino acid L-carnitine improves insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes.”
...recommendation Aspartame (Nutrasweet) Avoidance
“...by H.J. Roberts, a diabetes specialist, a member of the American Diabetes Association (ADA), and an authority on artificial sweeteners, aspartame ... causes poorer diabetic control in diabetics on insulin or oral drugs...”
...recommendation Insulin Therapy
“On average, insulin is required in half of those with Type 1.5 diabetes within four years of diagnosis, compared to over ten years in those with true Type 2 diabetes.”

Dizziness

...relationship to Hypoglycemia
“Dizziness and fainting spells are a possible symptoms of hypoglycemia, which may in turn be a reaction to insulin.”

Dyspepsia / Poor Digestion

...the condition
“...It interferes with the body's ability to absorb certain nutrients, causing weight loss, irregular breakdown of carbohydrates and fats, resistance to insulin, and malfunctions of the immune system...”

Elevated Insulin Levels

...the condition
“Chronic exposure to refined carbohydrates and simple sugars can cause elevated levels of insulin, which drives glucose levels down...”
...our question about Early or late puberty onset (female)
“Girls with premature puberty have been found to have elevated insulin and DHEA-S levels...”
...recommendation DIM / I3C
“DIM has been reported to enhance insulin sensitivity and encourage abdominal fat loss.”
...recommendation Chromium
“Chromium picolinate supplementation at 1,000mcg per day over a 13-week period combined with exercise decreased total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and insulin levels in a recent small study of both males and females...”
...recommendation Cinnamon
“Cinnamon with each meal helps keep insulin and blood sugar levels under control...”
...recommendation DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
“DHA at 1.8gm per day improved insulin sensitivity while having no effect on insulin secretion, in a pilot study of 12 overweight adults 45-70 years old...”

Excess Carbohydrate Consumption

...the condition
“...too many carbs that are refined or in the form of sugar can make it difficult to control weight because they are so quickly absorbed, sending blood sugar levels soaring, followed by high surges of insulin.  After two or three hours, the large amounts of insulin bring the blood sugar levels crashing down, sometimes even below normal levels...”

Excess Sugar Consumption

...the condition
“...Nevertheless, the pancreas secretes insulin to metabolize the glucose it is "expecting...”
...relationship to Atherosclerosis
“Excessive sugar consumption has been linked to elevated triglycerides and may contribute to atherosclerosis, especially in individuals with elevated insulin levels.”

Female Infertility

...relationship to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
“...This is believed to result from elevated insulin levels that stimulate excess androgen production by the ovaries...”

Gallbladder Disease

...recommendation Aerobic Exercise
“...Some researchers guess that in addition to controlling weight, exercise helps normalize blood sugar levels and insulin levels, which, if abnormal, may contribute to gallstones.”

Gestational Diabetes Tendency

...the condition
“...It is the hormonal changes in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy, along with the growth demands of the fetus, that increase a pregnant woman's insulin needs by two to three times normal...”
...relationship to Magnesium Requirement
“By impairing pancreatic insulin production, magnesium deficiency may increase the tendency towards hyperglycemia in cases of gestational diabetes...”
...relationship to Aerobic Exercise Need
“Exercising during pregnancy stimulates glucose transport and can help control gestational diabetes without the use of insulin.  Moderate workouts appear safe for most females with gestational diabetes...”
...relationship to Vitamin B6 Requirement
“By impairing pancreatic insulin production, vitamin B6 deficiency may increase the tendency towards hyperglycemia in cases of gestational diabetes...”
...relationship to Potassium Need
“By impairing pancreatic insulin production, potassium deficiency may increase the tendency towards hyperglycemia in cases of gestational diabetes...”
...relationship to Chromium Deficiency
“...By impairing pancreatic insulin production, chromium deficiency may increase the tendency towards hyperglycemia in gestational diabetes...”
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More topics Related to Insulin

Glucose Tolerance Factor

...related topic
“A compound containing chromium that aids insulin in regulating blood sugar levels.”

Glucose Tolerance Test

...as a treatment
“...Insulin levels may also be measured...”

Green Tea

...as a treatment
“...against cancers of the lungs, skin, liver, pancreas and stomach; it also boosts cardiovascular health and may work as a weight-loss agent by increasing fat metabolism and regulating blood sugar and insulin levels.  Green tea benefits the heart by lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the tendency of blood platelets to stick together...”

Growth Hormone Testing

...as a treatment
“...endocrinologists will test to diagnose adult GH deficiency by stimulating a GH response to a combination of GHRH and an inhibitor of somatostatin tone such as pyridostigmine, arginine, clonidine or insulin.  Endocrinologists generally consider the insulin tolerance test (ITT) to be the most useful test to evaluate the overall GH secretion in subjects with possible hypopituitary disease...”

Gymnena Sylvestre

...as a treatment
“...In studies, extracts of the plant have decreased fasting blood sugar levels, normalized blood lipids (cholesterol and triglycerides,) lowered insulin requirements and enhanced insulin production...”

High Levels Of Triglycerides

...relationship to Coronary Disease / Heart Attack
“There are a group of studies clearly indicating that elevated triglycerides combined with low HDL (two abnormalities known to be caused by high insulin) are much more predictive of cardiovascular disease than either elevated total cholesterol or elevated LDL levels.”

High Total Cholesterol

...recommendation Chromium
“...Chromium picolinate supplementation at 1,000mcg per day over a 13-week period combined with exercise decreased total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and insulin levels in a recent small study of both males and females...”

Hormone-altering Drugs

...related topic
“...Examples include Metformin, which affects insulin levels; Tamoxifen and Arimidex which affect estrogen levels; LHRH agonists which affect testosterone levels; and propylthiouracil (PTU) and methimazole(MTZ) which affect thyroid levels.”

Hormones

...related topic
“...Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth...”

Hypoglycemia

...the condition
“...Fasting hypoglycemia can be caused by ... Over-production of insulin by the pancreas...”
...related topic
“...It can be caused by medications such as insulin (diabetics are prone to hypoglycemia), severe physical exhaustion, and some illnesses.”
...relationship to Low DHEA Level
Insulin levels may play a significant role in determining how much DHEA is metabolized...”

Insulin Resistance

...related topic
“The body's inability to correctly utilize its normal (internally-produced) insulin supply, even though this supply is sufficient.”

Insulin Therapy

...as a treatment
Insulin is absolutely required for all animal (including human) life...”

IP6 - Inositol Hexaphosphate

...as a treatment
“...In diabetes cases, it not only improves insulin sensitivity, but also decreases complications...”

Lack of Sleep

...relationship to Problems Caused By Being Overweight
“...Chronically sleep-deprived individuals undergo changes in metabolic hormones that trigger appetite (ghrelin), increase appetite (leptin), and indicate satiety (insulin).”
...relationship to Elevated Insulin Levels
“A study found that people who do not get enough sleep on a regular basis may become less sensitive to insulin which, over time, can raise the risk of obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes...”

L-Arginine

...as a treatment
“...Arginine might improve insulin sensitivity in Syndrome X and Type II Diabetes...”

Low/Decreased Carbohydrate Diet

...as a treatment
“...Second, fiber slows the absorption of food, so your blood sugar rises slowly, preventing an exaggerated insulin response.  The most healthful and scientifically proven approach is to switch from simple carbohydrates to complex carbohydrates...”

Magnesium Requirement

...the condition
“...It may influence the release and activity of insulin, the hormone that helps control blood glucose levels...”

Manganese

...as a treatment
“...Manganese is necessary for bone growth, reproduction, skin, ligament formation, blood clotting, wound healing, peak brain function and the proper metabolism of cholesterol, sugars and insulin.  It is also an enzyme activator and is said to help in the utilization of vitamin B1...”

Melatonin

...related topic
“...It also negatively influences insulin utilization.”

Menopausal Issues

...relationship to Syndrome X / Metabolic Syndrome
“...During the menopause transition, more fat often starts to accumulate around the stomach and insulin levels begin to inch upwards...”

NADH

...as a treatment
“...No significant differences were noted in blood levels of glucose, insulin, triglyceride or HDL cholesterol...”

Pancreas

...related topic
“...It releases insulin to help each cell absorb glucose to burn as energy...”

Periodontal Disease - Gingivitis

...relationship to Diabetes Type II
“...These infections can in turn impair the body's ability to process and/or utilize insulin, creating a vicious circle in which your diabetes may be more difficult to control and your infection more severe than in a non-diabetic...”

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

...relationship to Elevated Insulin Levels
“...There is a lot of evidence that high levels of insulin contribute to increased androgen production, which worsens the symptoms of PCOS...”
...recommendation Sugar Avoidance / Reduction
“...According to Jerilyn Prior, M.D., the increased insulin from sugar consumption stimulates androgen receptors on the outside of the ovary, causing a failure of ovulation and the typical PCOS symptoms of hirsutism and acne.”
...recommendation Weight Loss
“Weight reduction can not only reverse testosterone and luteinizing hormone abnormalities and infertility seen with PCOS, but also improve glucose, insulin and lipid profiles...”

Potassium Need

...the condition
“...Maintaining proper body water balance; Stimulating insulin production; Maintaining digestive enzyme function and efficiency; Maintaining optimal nerve and muscle function; Relaxing muscle contraction in balance to calcium, which induces contraction...”

Pregnancy-Related Issues

...the condition
“...Much of the way your baby develops essential proteins, such as DNA and insulin, depends on zinc...”

Premenstrual Syndrome PMS C (Craving)

...the condition
“...There is currently no clear explanation for this phenomenon, although an increased capacity to bind insulin has been identified...”

Premenstrual Syndrome PMS H (Headache)

...recommendation Magnesium
“...Increased insulin secretion, in response to sugar consumption, results in sodium retention that is independent of aldosterone.”

Problems Caused By Being Overweight

...the condition
“...Men whose bodies produce more insulin also tend to have increased leptin levels...”
...relationship to Coronary Disease / Heart Attack
“Even if you never become diabetic, high levels of insulin contribute to cardiovascular risk by increasing the process of atherosclerosis...”
...relationship to Lung Cancer
“...Researchers are unsure why being obese plays a role in lung cancer; some researchers suggest it's related to hormones such as higher levels of estrogen and insulin.  In addition, being overweight puts an added strain on the lungs, reduces lung capacity, and increases asthma risk...”
...relationship to Diabetes Type II
“...The hormone, dubbed resistin, is produced by fat cells and prompts tissues to resist insulin, the substance the body needs to process blood sugar, researchers reported in the scientific journal Nature...”
...recommendation Low/Decreased Carbohydrate Diet
“More and more researchers are citing insulin as the main culprit in weight gain and expound the benefits of a diet low in carbohydrates...”

Prostate Cancer

...our question about Drinking soft drinks containing sugar
“...One theory is that sugar triggers the release of insulin, which feeds tumors.”

Smaller, More Frequent Meals

...as a treatment
“...Eating regularly throughout the day also helps to maintain steady insulin levels.  People who are overweight tend to have diminished insulin function and many end up becoming diabetic...”

Stress

...relationship to Elevated Insulin Levels
“One of cortisol's undesirable effects is that it contributes to insulin resistance by decreasing the rate of glucose uptake, probably by blocking the insulin receptor...”

Sulfur Requirement

...the condition
“...As a component of insulin, sulfur is needed to regulate blood sugar...”

Syndrome X / Metabolic Syndrome

...the condition
“...We now know that eating large amounts of dietary carbohydrates (for example sweets, pastas, and breads) can raise cholesterol, triglyceride and insulin levels.  We know also that elevated insulin can promote obesity and high blood pressure...”
...relationship to Elevated Insulin Levels
“Syndrome X (Metabolic Syndrome) is the variable combination of obesity (usually central in distribution), insulin resistance with elevated insulin levels, high blood cholesterol and hypertension...”
...recommendation Zinc
“This trace mineral is instrumental in glucose regulation, the proper function of insulin and weight control...”
...recommendation Aerobic Exercise
“Exercise is an important aid in the treatment both of insulin sensitivity and Syndrome X...”
...recommendation Low/Decreased Carbohydrate Diet
“...These refined carbohydrates not only raise glucose and insulin to unhealthy levels, but they also are devoid of the many vitamins, minerals, and vitamin-like nutrients our bodies need to properly utilize these foods.”
...recommendation Manganese
“This trace mineral is needed for various enzymes to work, and is essential for nerve health and normal insulin function.”
...recommendation Selenium
“Selenium is a mineral that works alongside vitamin E as part of the antioxidant protection against free radical damage caused by high insulin levels.  It may also help prevent heart disease.”
...recommendation Vitamin A
“Vitamin A has been shown to increase the efficiency of glucose disposal by insulin.  It is therefore an essential vitamin for those with Syndrome X.”
...recommendation Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)
“...It also helps maintain normal insulin function and may decrease bad cholesterol levels.”
...recommendation Vitamin E
“Vitamin E is an important antioxidant that protects against free radical damage caused by high glucose and insulin levels in the blood...”
...recommendation Alpha Lipoic Acid
“...This process may occur via an insulin signaling pathway...”
...recommendation Weight Loss
“...If you are overweight, losing weight will make the body more insulin sensitive, i.e. less insulin will be required to move sugar from the bloodstream and into various tissues.”

Test for Cardiac Risk Factors

...as a treatment
“...Post-challenge insulin, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), Lp(a), iron levels, additional lipid fractions, homocysteine, fibrinogen and others can be done to provide a clearer picture of your risk...”

Test Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)

...as a treatment
“...High levels of insulin and androgens decrease SHBG level, whereas thyroid hormone and estrogen increase it...”

Thymic Factors

...as a treatment
“...Modern medicine replaces the thyroid gland with thyroid hormone, the adrenal gland with cortisone, the pancreas gland with insulin, and the ovaries with estrogen and progesterone...”

Vanadium

...as a treatment
“...Most of the therapeutic uses of vanadium center in its ability to mimic or enhance the functions of insulin.  Vanadium comprises only 0.01% of the Earth's crust by weight...”

Vinegar

...as a treatment
“...Theoretically, prolonged consumption of apple cider vinegar could lead to lower potassium levels, which could increase the risk of toxicity of cardiac glycoside drugs such as Lanoxin (digoxin), insulin, laxatives and diuretics such as Lasix (furosemide)...”

Vitamin B3 Requirement

...the condition
“...Vitamin B3 is necessary for the manufacture of the hormones cortisone, thyroxine, insulin, and the sex hormones estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone...”

Weight Loss

...as a treatment
“...Caffeine leads to an increase of insulin in your body which retards the burning of stored fat...”

Zinc

...as a treatment
“...of cholesterol, protein and fats, releasing vitamin A from the liver, assisting the immune system and cell growth, being required for vision, taste perception, prostrate reproductive health and insulin function, metabolizing alcohol, and protecting against copper and heavy metal toxicity such as cadmium and lead...”
...related topic
“...Zinc is a constituent of insulin and male reproductive fluid...”
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