home Audience 4 High levels of insulin in the blood: consequences of the disorder. If you find elevated insulin in your blood, what does this mean for your health?

High levels of insulin in the blood: consequences of the disorder. If you find elevated insulin in your blood, what does this mean for your health?

Insulin is a fairly discussed term, but judging by surveys of clinic visitors, not everyone understands what it is. At best, they answer that it is associated with diabetes and diabetics give injections with it.

The production of its own insulin in the human body is carried out by the pancreas, which is very important body. Its importance is demonstrated by the fact that it is the only organ in the body that is supplied with blood from two different arteries.

The main task of insulin is to regulate blood glucose, the level of which should be close to normal. However, elevated insulin in some cases will not be considered a pathology. So after eating, the pancreas releases a portion of insulin into the blood, which helps glucose (energy food for cells) penetrate through cell membranes.

For a certain period after eating, elevated insulin will be considered normal, but by the end of the period its level should return to the established norm.

Insulin released in response to increased glucose levels is post-nutritive insulinemia (occurs after eating). Increased insulin in the blood, in this case, promotes active utilization of glucose by tissues and a decrease in its amount in the blood. After glucose levels decrease, the amount of insulin also decreases.

For reference. Normally, adequate levels of insulin in the blood are ensured by moderate secretion of the pancreatic hormone, as well as its short half-life. The hormone insulin normally circulates in the blood for about 4 minutes - this time is enough to have the necessary effect on carbohydrate metabolism.

Functions

Insulin has a significant effect on the stages of carbohydrate metabolism. The main effects of the hormone are associated with anabolic effect in insulin-dependent tissues.

Insulin can stimulate:

synthesis of glycogen and inhibit the process of gluconeogenesis (glucose formation) by the liver;
glycolysis process;
active uptake of glucose into tissues and a decrease in its level in the blood;
conversion of glucose into triglycerides (long-term “reserve” storage of glucose);
capture and education fatty acids, and also inhibit the breakdown of fats;
active uptake of amino acids by cells;
protein synthesis;
transport of K and Mg ions inside cells;
the formation of glycogen, as well as inhibit the breakdown of proteins in muscles.

Action speed

The biological effects of insulin can be classified according to the speed of development of effects into:

very fast (occurs within a few seconds after the hormone enters the blood);
fast (appearing in a couple of minutes);
slow (the development of these effects takes from several minutes to several hours);
very slow (occurring within a few hours to a day).

K very quick effects insulin include its effect on the membranes of insulin-sensitive cells. As a result of this, the rate of glucose flow from the blood into the cells increases almost fifty times.

Quick effects are manifested by the active storage of glycogen (a quickly utilized glucose depot), stimulation of the synthesis of cholesterol and fatty acids. Insulin also increases the activity of phosphodiesterase, which inhibits the catabolism (breakdown) of glycogen to glucose under the influence of adrenaline or glucagon.

The slow action of insulin lies in its effect on metabolic processes and the rate of cell growth and division. Normally, elevated insulin activates the pentose phosphate pathway (oxidation of carbohydrates) and enzymatic oxidation of glucose, accompanied by the storage of energy in the form of adenosine triphosphate (ATP molecule).

The very slow effects of insulin are manifested by accelerated cell proliferation. Insulin is able to stimulate the synthesis of insulin-like growth factor (somatomedin C) in the liver. Somatomedin C stimulates bone growth in length, as well as the uptake of glucose and amino acids by muscle and fat tissue cells.

Why is it important to know your insulin levels?

The level of insulin in the blood is important for:

maintaining full carbohydrate metabolism;
control over the rapid utilization of glucose by tissues;
storing ATP molecules;
stimulation of cell growth and reproduction;
maintaining a balance between storing and burning fat tissue.

Elevated insulin may indicate the presence of hormone-producing tumors of the pancreas; insulin may indicate independent type 2 diabetes, etc.

Normally, increased insulin is detected after meals and during pregnancy (in this case, there is a moderate, gradual increase in hormone levels).

Reduced insulin levels are observed with diabetes and exhaustion of the body.

To obtain a complete diagnostic picture, an insulin test should be performed in conjunction with other examinations:

fasting blood glucose level;
oral glucose tolerance test;
C-peptide;
determination of glucose and ketone bodies in urine (glucosuria and ketonuria);
Ultrasound of the pancreas.

Attention. An insulin test without assessing blood sugar levels and other studies is not informative. Therefore, order an examination, determine the volume diagnostic measures and only the attending physician should evaluate the results obtained.

Blood test for insulin. Indications for use

High insulin at normal sugar is not determined, an abnormal increase in hormone levels is always accompanied by hypoglycemia. Most often, excess insulin production is associated with insulinoma, a tumor of the beta cells of the pancreas.

Typically, the disease is diagnosed in patients aged 25 to 55 years. Insulinoma practically does not occur in children. Hyperinsulinism leads to chronic hypoglycemia. Clinically this is manifested by obesity, constant feeling hunger and the need for easily digestible carbohydrates. Such patients can eat about a kilogram of sweets per day or eat sugar with spoons.

Typical complaints of patients who have elevated insulin in the blood are frequent fainting, dizziness, muscle weakness, tachycardia, emotional instability, memory loss, decreased skin sensitivity.

Important. Increased insulin leads to decreased sexual desire, erectile dysfunction and impotence.

In addition to diagnosing insulinoma, an insulin test is informative for a comprehensive examination of patients with metabolic syndrome, hyperandrogenism, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).

How to test for insulin

Used for analysis deoxygenated blood. The material must be collected strictly on an empty stomach. Drinking alcoholic beverages must be avoided at least 24 hours before, smoking – one hour before the procedure.

The time interval between blood donation and the last meal should be at least eight hours (optimally more than 12 hours). It is prohibited to drink juices, teas or coffee. It is acceptable to drink boiled water before the analysis.

Slightly elevated insulin with normal sugar may be observed in patients undergoing treatment:

The level of insulin in the blood of women and men is the same, however, in women, insulin levels may increase moderately during pregnancy.

For reference. Taking beta-blockers, furosemide, clofibrate, calcitonin, and phenobarbital leads to a decrease in insulin levels.

Blood insulin levels

Most often, boundaries are indicated from 2.6 to 24.9. In some laboratories until 29.1.

The results are recorded in µU/ml.

The normal values for men and women are the same.

Insulin is elevated, what does this mean?

In addition to insulinoma, an increased amount of insulin can be detected with:

severe liver diseases,
hyperandrogenism,
PCOS,
acromegaly,
diabetes mellitus(DM) type 2 (in the initial stages of the disease),
obesity,
muscular dystrophy,
Itsenko-Cushing syndrome,
disaccharidase deficiency.

Hyperinsulinemia in PCOS

In women, hyperinsulinemia is most often observed with polycystic ovary syndrome. The main symptoms will be an increase in the level of androgens (male sex hormones), severe forms acne, oily seborrhea, hair loss on the head and hair growth on the body (hirsutism), shrinkage of the mammary glands, deepening of the voice, disturbance menstrual cycle, infertility, miscarriage, lack of sexual desire, obesity.

Attention. Obesity and high insulin levels lead to the development of tissue insulin resistance and the formation of type 2 diabetes (insulin-resistant).

An increased amount of insulin, increased glucose levels (due to insulin resistance), a sharp increase in triglycerides and cholesterol levels are fraught with the development of diseases of cardio-vascular system(atherosclerosis, thrombosis, ischemic heart disease, heart attack). These women have a significantly increased risk of developing malignant neoplasms in the uterus, mammary glands and ovaries.

Adrenal causes of elevated insulin

Hypersecretion of adrenal hormones (hypercortisolism or Itsenko-Cushing syndrome).

Hypercorticism is manifested by obesity. Fat is deposited on the face (moon face), neck, chest and abdomen. The appearance of a specific purple blush is also characteristic.

Due to excess glucocorticoids, steroid diabetes mellitus develops. Patients constantly feel hungry. Against the background of a significant increase in fat deposits, the volume muscle tissue on the contrary, it decreases (this is manifested by the “thinning” of the limbs in relation to the rest of the body).

The skin is characterized by the appearance of specific purple-cyanotic stretch marks. Regeneration is reduced, even small scratches take a long time to heal. A significant amount of acne appears.

Pituitary gland lesion

The disease is manifested by coarsening of the face (specifically, enlargement of the cheekbones and brow ridges, soft tissues also grow), disproportionate growth of the hands and feet, severe arterial hypertension, deforming osteoarthritis, constant sweating, development of type 2 diabetes, severe headaches.

How to reduce insulin in the blood

Therapy depends entirely on the underlying disease that caused the increase in hormone levels. The selection of therapy is carried out individually, after comprehensive examination see an endocrinologist.

General recommendations for lifestyle correction can only be given to patients whose hyperinsulinemia is associated with alimentary (dietary) obesity. In this case, a balanced diet is indicated, active image life and gradual loss of body weight. Strict dietary restrictions and fasting are contraindicated and can only increase hormonal imbalance.

Insulin is low. Causes and symptoms

Insulin levels decrease when:

Type 1 diabetes;
hypopituitarism (reduction or complete cessation of secretion of hormones by the pituitary gland);

In type 2 diabetes, insulin secretion remains normal or increases.

Type 1 diabetes

Type 1 diabetes is a group of metabolic pathologies accompanied by a chronic defect in the secretion of insulin by pancreatic B cells and, accordingly, increased glucose levels.

Symptoms of type 1 diabetes are caused precisely by insulin deficiency.

Due to a sharp decrease in glucose utilization and an increase in glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis (glucose formation in the liver), the level of sugar in the blood (glycemia) and in the urine increases (glucosuria develops at a glycemia of 8.8 millimoles per liter).

An increase in blood sugar and glucose excretion in the urine is caused by:

frequent urination;
thirsty;
itching, dry skin and mucous membranes;
infections urinary tract, thrush.

A decrease in the formation of adipose tissue and the mobilization of triglycerides (as well as their breakdown to glucose) leads to an increase in ketogenesis in liver tissue and an increase in ketone bodies in the blood (ketonemia) and urine (ketonuria). Clinically, this is manifested by vomiting, sudden weight loss, and the appearance of the smell of acetone (ketoacidosis).

Disruption of protein metabolism and increased breakdown leads to muscular dystrophy, lag in physical development and a pronounced decrease in immunity (frequent bacterial and fungal infections).

Electrolyte imbalance due to decreased insulin levels leads to the body losing potassium, sodium and magnesium ions. Clinically, electrolyte imbalance manifests itself:

Important. Due to the fact that all symptoms of T1DM are caused by a defect in insulin secretion, the main method of treatment will be insulin replacement therapy (insulin injections).

Diabetes mellitus type 2

In patients with T2DM, unlike patients with T1DM, the function of pancreatic B cells is preserved. Their insulin secretion is normal or even increased.

Important. The basis of therapy is to normalize body weight, adherence balanced diet and taking tableted sugar-lowering tablets (if necessary, a combination of several drugs is possible).

Insulin therapy is rarely prescribed to such patients, when glucose-lowering tablets are ineffective. An evening insulin injection with a prolonged effect is more often used.

As a starting therapy, it is recommended to adjust the lifestyle and take metformin (sugar-lowering tablets). If there is no effect, a sulfonylurea derivative (glibenclamide) or a thiazalidinedione derivative (glutazone) is added.

If indicated, insulin therapy may be added.

Types of insulin drugs

Insulins are classified according to their origin:

human genetically engineered;
human semi-synthetic;
pork monocomponent.

Based on their action, drugs are distinguished with:

ultra-short effect (Humalog, Apidra);
short-acting (Actrapid NM, Humulin Regular);
average duration of action (Monodar B, Protafan NM);
long-acting (Lantus, Levemir Flexpen).

Mixed-action drugs include mixtures (profiles) that combine short- and long-acting drugs. On such insulins there should be a fraction designation 50/50, 40/60, 25/75 with an explanation of how much insulin the drug contains, or a number indicating the percentage of extended-release insulin.

Gensulin M50 (50% extended-50% short-term),
Gensulin M40 (40% extended – 60 short),
Mixtard 30/70 (Mixtard® 30 NM – 30% extended - 70% short).

Rules for administering insulin for diabetes

The dose and frequency of injections should be selected exclusively by the attending physician.

The most commonly used schemes are:

two injections of a mixed solution (short- and long-acting insulin);
three injections (mixed preparations morning and evening + medium short actions before lunch);
basal-bolus injection.

For reference. The use of an insulin pump is indicated for patients with frequent or hidden hypoglycemia, poor glycemic control, high insulin sensitivity, and poorly controlled diabetes. The pump can also be used during pregnancy.

Insulin can be administered using an insulin syringe in:

stomach (medium with short and mixed effects);
buttocks and thighs (medium and long acting);
shoulder (additional injection site).

To prevent the development of lipodystrophy at injection sites, injection sites should be alternated.

Attention. It must be remembered that insulin is administered only in subcutaneous fat. Therefore, thin patients should be shaped before injection. skin fold and use shorter needles.

Insulin is a hormone that is of exceptional importance for the smooth flow of vital processes in the body of every person. Without it the cells will stop protein metabolism, fats will also not accumulate in the required quantities. In addition, it plays a decisive role in carbohydrate metabolism. That's why normal insulin in the blood is so important for humans.

The normal level of insulin in the blood is 3-20 µU/ml. This is a normal indicator that indicates that the person is healthy. However, it can change significantly with age. As a rule, the concentration of the hormone in children preschool age practically does not fluctuate. But during the period of further puberty, its amount increasingly depends on the food consumed and on many other factors. That is, if you eat a meal rich in carbohydrates, then insulin after eating at normal levels (6 - 27 µU/ml) will almost certainly not be maintained. That's why lab tests It is not recommended to take it after a meal: such an analysis will only show the temporary content of the hormone in blood cells. It is recommended to take all tests on an empty stomach. After all, an analysis done on an empty stomach will help to accurately determine the level of the hormone in the body and draw conclusions about the presence of type 1 or type 2 diabetes. A decrease in insulin levels in the blood may be due to the fact that the body does not produce the required amount on its own. This deviation is called type 1 diabetes. However, there are also cases when it is produced in exactly the required quantity, but the body's cells do not respond to it, as a result of which the blood sugar level does not decrease. Then we are dealing with type 2 diabetes. Also, in addition to the shortage in the body, there may be cases when the concentration of insulin exceeds the norm. This is also a fairly common pathology.

For normal functioning human body It is very important to constantly maintain normal levels of insulin in the blood. If this hormone is almost completely absent or its quantity decreases sharply, then the person’s health significantly deteriorates: the heartbeat quickens, nausea, weakness appear, and fainting is possible. If you are working on an empty stomach and have not eaten for a long time, then the body has nowhere to get the required amount of glucose to produce energy. But after eating, the insulin level jumps sharply, which is also fraught unpleasant consequences. This is why irregular eating can cause the most serious illnesses, including diabetes.

You also need to remember one more thing important detail- The production period of this hormone is three hours. This means that in order to maintain normal insulin hormone levels, you need to eat regularly. If you don’t have time to eat due to your busy and intense life schedule, then keep a candy or chocolate bar in your bag and eat it when you have a free minute. remember, that proper food is a guarantor of security normal level hormone in the blood.

If, after taking a fasting insulin test, the norm, which is 3-20 µU/ml, was exceeded and you were diagnosed with insulin-dependent diabetes, then from now on you will have to constantly artificially adjust your insulin level to ensure productive life. In such cases, the patient is usually prescribed special injections, which are carried out before or after meals or according to a schedule drawn up by the doctor.

Be healthy and maintain optimal insulin levels in your body! This way you will be as active as possible and constantly in good shape!

Reviews and comments

Margarita Pavlovna- 25 Feb 2019, 01:04

I have type 2 diabetes - non-insulin dependent. A friend advised me to lower my blood sugar levels with DiabeNot. I ordered it online. Started the appointment. I follow a relaxed diet and started walking 2-3 kilometers every morning. Within two last weeks I notice a gradual decrease in sugar on the glucometer in the morning before breakfast from 9.3 to 7.1, and yesterday even to 6.1! I continue the preventive course. I'll write about my successes.

Olga Shpak- 26 Feb 2019, 00:49

Margarita Pavlovna, I’m also on Diabenot now. DM 2. I really don’t have time for a diet and walks, but I don’t abuse sweets and carbohydrates, I think XE, but due to age, sugar is still elevated. The results are not as good as yours, but sugar hasn’t gone beyond 7.0 for a week now. What glucometer do you use to measure your sugar? Does it show you using plasma or whole blood? I would like to compare the results of taking the drug.

During the day, the concentration of insulin in our vessels changes several times. The pancreas changes the intensity of the release of this hormone after eating, exercising, or under stress. The level of insulin in the blood is determined by age, weight, hormonal status human, so its normal values are located in a fairly wide range. Deviation of insulin levels from the norm is not a diagnosis. This is just a laboratory indicator that may indicate any disturbances in the body. To identify and correct the causes of deviations, you need additional research, consultation with a therapist or endocrinologist.

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Insulin production in diabetes

Insulin affects all metabolic processes, but its main function is regulation carbohydrate metabolism, maintaining the norm of glucose in the blood vessels. Thanks to insulin, glucose from the blood is redirected to muscles and other tissues, where it is either utilized, giving the body energy, or stored in reserves in the form of glycogen.

In most cases, an increase in insulin levels in adults is an indicator chronic disorders in carbohydrate metabolism. This is either the beginning or a predisposition to it. Due to lack of physical activity, high carbohydrate diet, lack of vitamins and fiber, excess weight begins to develop - a reduction in the sensitivity of body cells to insulin. Our muscles do not need as much energy as they receive, and glucose begins to accumulate in the vessels. If at this stage you reduce your carbohydrate intake and increase your activity, diabetes can be avoided.

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An increase in insulin levels is the body’s attempt to overcome insulin resistance. It is observed at the stage and in the first years of diabetes mellitus. As a rule, at this stage, glucose either remains normal or slightly exceeds it. Over the years, the pancreas gets tired of working in emergency mode, insulin decreases, and then falls below normal. By this time the patient has already had enough high sugars, to bring them back to normal are required medicinal methods or a strict diet.

A drop in insulin levels in children and young adults is usually a sign. It is caused by the destruction of pancreatic cells that produce this hormone. This disorder has nothing to do with lifestyle; the cause of insulin deficiency in this type of diabetes is autoimmune processes. As soon as insulin drops below normal, the patient needs replacement therapy– injection administration of insulin preparations.

Insulin standards

Insulin standards vary greatly in laboratories. It's connected with various methods its determination using reagents from various manufacturers. In laboratories that use the immunochemical method, 2.7 - 10.4 µU/ml is usually considered normal in adults. Prerequisites: the analysis was done on an empty stomach; The patient's weight is either normal or slightly exceeds it (up to BMI 30).

When receiving analysis results, the normal values for a specific laboratory are given in the “Reference values” column of the table. It is better to do repeated tests in the same place or at least using the same method.

Results from different laboratories cannot reliably determine whether your insulin has increased or decreased.

Standards for men

In men, insulin levels are more stable than in women. Indicators depend only on weight and age:

The higher your weight, the more insulin your body needs. In addition, excess fat tissue leads to a decrease in the number of insulin receptors, which causes sensitivity to the hormone to decrease.
Physiological insulin resistance develops with age. To maintain carbohydrate metabolism, more insulin is required, blood sugar is slightly higher than in youth.

Frequently used normal limits for men are given in the table:

Norms for women

In women, there is also a dependence of insulin levels on age and weight. Additional factors insulin increases are hormonal surges during pregnancy, long-term use oral contraceptives.

Patient characteristics	The norm of insulin in a woman’s blood, µU/ml
Patient characteristics	min	Max
Young women of normal weight	2,7	10,4
1st trimester of pregnancy	2,7	10,4
2-3 trimester	6	27
Young women with overweight	2,7	24,9
Women over 60 years old	6	36

In the first weeks of pregnancy, the need for insulin is slightly reduced, so its release into the bloodstream may decrease. Starting from the 2nd trimester, along with the growth of other hormones, insulin synthesis should also increase. If the pancreas copes with the task, sugar remains normal. If the production of insulin in large volumes is not possible, the woman develops. In the 3rd trimester, insulin resistance increases by 50%, insulin production - approximately 3 times. Immediately after childbirth, the need for insulin drops sharply, its production decreases, and gestational diabetes disappears.

Norms for children

Activity in children is usually higher than in adults. Despite their low weight, they require quite a lot of energy. For younger students you need up to 2600 kcal per day, which is quite comparable to the need of adults. Therefore, the insulin norm is childhood equal to adult: 2.7-10.4. In adolescents, insulin resistance is higher due to hormonal fluctuations; more insulin is produced. Blood insulin levels in adolescents range from 2.7-25 µU/ml.

If the child normal weight, and he is not experiencing symptoms of hypoglycemia, a slight increase in insulin above reference levels is not a cause for concern. Most likely, it is caused by the processes of growth and maturation.

Types of analyzes

To determine the insulin content in the vessels, you need to take the “Immunoreactive insulin” test. Indications for the purpose of analysis are:

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Suspicion of a tumor consisting of pancreatic beta cells. In this case, insulin can be tens of times higher than normal.
Performance assessment surgical treatment such tumors.
Identifying the cause of hypoglycemia.
Assessment of pancreatic functions in type 2 diabetes. In doubtful cases, with the help of analysis, the issue of prescribing insulin injections or drugs that enhance the synthesis of one’s own hormone is resolved.
For diabetes mild degree and prediabetes, a study may be ordered to assess insulin resistance. In this case, it is taken simultaneously with blood glucose (HOMA-IR test).

In insulin-dependent diabetes, a test for insulin levels in the blood is not used, since laboratory methods cannot distinguish endogenous insulin from that introduced externally. To assess pancreatic function, the “” study is used.

Fasting insulin

Most often, insulin levels are determined on an empty stomach. Rules for preparing for analysis:

8-14 hour fast before donating blood. The insulin rate after meals is much higher (up to 173), so failure to comply with this condition can lead to a serious distortion of the result, and therefore to an incorrect diagnosis.
If possible, discontinue medications and dietary supplements for 24 hours.
Exclusion excessive fatty foods and alcohol the day before, smoking an hour before blood sampling.
Cancellation of training and other physical activity on the day preceding the analysis.
Avoiding psycho-emotional stress in the evening and morning before the study.

Insulin under load

This analysis It is used quite rarely when it is necessary to monitor the response of the pancreas to changes in blood sugar. It is usually carried out simultaneously with. At stage 1, fasting glucose and insulin are measured. Then the pancreas is “loaded” with glucose (usually a solution is given to drink). Normal reaction under such a load – an increase in blood glucose and, with a slight delay, an increase in insulin, then a slow decrease in both indicators. After 2 hours, glucose should be up to 11.1, insulin – up to 79. Be sure to find your laboratory’s reference values for insulin in the printout of the results, they may differ.

Negative effects of increased insulin

If insulin is elevated, disorders affect all body systems:

Glucose regulation becomes spasmodic: at first its level is too high, but after the release of insulin it decreases excessively. A person feels mild hypoglycemia: nervousness, hunger, cravings for sweets. Carbohydrate intake automatically increases, the patient is one step closer to diabetes.
High insulin promotes the synthesis of fats and prevents their breakdown. The person is gaining more and more weight.
Simultaneously with the growth of fatty tissue, blood lipids also increase. Particularly dangerous adipose tissue, located in abdominal cavity: triglycerides from it penetrate into the blood more actively.
Cholesterol synthesis increases in the liver, and the risk of atherosclerosis increases.
Excess insulin affects blood clotting factors, which, in combination with atherosclerosis, provokes thrombosis.
Long-term elevated insulin increases the tone of the nervous system, constricts blood vessels, which causes an increase in blood pressure.

How to normalize insulin

Insulin rise is just part complex mechanism metabolic disorders. Changes in metabolism accumulate, a person finds himself in vicious circle: weight - insulin growth - excessive appetite- formation of new fat. It can only be broken by dramatic changes in lifestyle.

First of all, diets with limited carbohydrates are prescribed. Under strict ban everyone gets in, since they are the ones that cause the largest surge in insulin. Volume complex carbohydrates in the menu is limited to 20-40% of the total volume nutrients. To prevent atherosclerosis, animal fats are removed from the diet.

To restore normal glucose consumption by muscles, you need to increase the load on them. Any type of exercise is effective. Cardio training is valid for a limited period: it increases the absorption of sugars by 2 days, so they are included in the training schedule 3 times a week. Power training promote muscle growth, the main consumer of glucose. The ideal option if you are prone to diabetes is to alternate both types of exercise.

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Insulin is a hormone produced by the B cells of the pancreas. These cells are located in the islets of Langerhans. The hormone affects blood glucose levels. It is necessary for the normal functioning of the body, it main function consists of delivering glucose to cells. When a person eats food, the amount of glucose increases and the pancreas begins to produce the hormone insulin. In addition, the hormone performs the following functions:

participates in gluconeogenesis;
increases protein synthesis;
reduces glycogen breakdown;
affects the amount of ketone bodies.

How much insulin should be in the blood?

Since the hormone is actively produced by the pancreas at the time of food intake, it is possible to determine that insulin is normal only on an empty stomach. There are normal insulin values; these indicators are used to assess changes in dynamics after meals.

The level of insulin in the blood healthy person indicated in the table:

In women and men, the amount of the hormone is identical. Production depends on the level of required energy inputs. Only in pregnant women the amount increases due to high energy needs.

The elderly, like pregnant women, need more energy when performing active muscle movements. This causes an overestimated norm for old age.

Children produce less of the hormone, which is associated with low energy expenditure, so the norm is lower than in adults.

Deviations of these values from the normal level indicate the presence of pancreatic pathology. It is very important to determine insulin levels in children, since it is in childhood that type 1 diabetes develops. This disease is characterized by an absolute lack of insulin. This means that the gland cells do not produce the hormone. Therefore, the determination of insulin in this situation plays an important role.

Blood test for pancreatic hormone

Indications for insulin testing

The analysis is prescribed in case of suspected pathology of the pancreas. People who have

If your close relatives have diseases such as diabetes, they need to check their glucose levels once a year.

The test for the child is also carried out by a doctor - an endocrinologist. The development of type 1 diabetes mellitus in a child is always accompanied by a sharp decrease in body weight, possible development hypoglycemic conditions. Symptoms such as weight loss, increased thirst and increased 24-hour urine output are absolute indications for analysis.

Insulin levels are also determined in order to determine the effect of the therapy. Diabetics receive medications every day. Therefore, passing the analysis is extremely important.

The first signal about a disruption in the functioning of pancreatic cells is the determination of glucose in the blood. This test is performed on everyone upon admission to a hospital or clinic. In addition, the level of glycated hemoglobin is determined. This indicator also indicates the level of the hormone in the blood. At the same time, glycated hemoglobin is more reliable look analysis: the glucose that the red blood cell “collected” on its membrane is determined. Because the average term The life of an erythrocyte is 4 months, then we can assume that the level of glycated hemoglobin is the result of changes in glucose levels not at one time, but over 4 months.

Carrying out analysis in adults

Laboratory determination of the hormone is carried out by taking blood in the morning, before meals. This is due to the fact that when eating food the amount of the hormone increases. Therefore, the level of insulin in the blood on an empty stomach is determined.

It is also necessary to limit physical activity the day before the test.

When determining the level of glucose tolerance, blood is taken twice. In the morning, the first sample is taken, then a glucose solution is given to drink, and an hour later the blood is drawn a second time. Thus, the dynamics of changes in hormone levels are assessed. In this case, the patient should not eat food in the interval before the second blood draw.

One of simple methods allowing one to judge the amount of this hormone is to determine the concentration of glucose in capillary blood. If the level is exceeded, this indicates a deficiency of the hormone or a decrease in insulin sensitivity to glucose.

Determining insulin levels in a child

In babies, the amount of insulin is always the same. This is due to their physiological characteristics. Insulin-glucose dependence develops after puberty. A glucometer is one of the simple and convenient methods for studying insulin in children and adults. This method is based on determining the amount of glucose, which indirectly allows us to judge the hormone.

To do this you need the following:

Wash your baby's hands thoroughly;
treat the puncture site with alcohol or any other disinfectant;
you need to configure the device according to the instructions;
insert a special strip from the box into it;
carefully prick your finger with a glucometer needle;
Apply a drop of blood to the indicated location on the test strip according to the instructions;
evaluate the result after 30 seconds.

Interpretation of results

Deviations in insulin levels indicate the presence of pathological changes.

Low level

A decrease indicates the following diseases:

type 1 diabetes mellitus;
hypoglycemic coma;
dysfunction of the pituitary gland.

Insulin deficiency can develop in two types: relative and absolute deficiency. The first occurs in type 2 diabetes. At the same time, there is a normal amount of insulin, but it is not able to influence tissue cells so that they absorb glucose. This condition, which underlies the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes, is called insulin resistance. An absolute deficiency, occurs in type 1 diabetes, and is often irreversible nature, that is, the pancreas does not secrete the hormone at all. Any changes in the hormone may indicate pathology of the gland.

Elevated insulin levels

Increased level may be a sign:

type 2 diabetes mellitus;
Itsenko-Cushing's disease;
liver diseases;
excess body weight, namely obesity types 2 and 3.

In pregnant women, insulin levels in the blood are often elevated; this is considered a physiological norm.

In women, hyperinsulinemia may indicate the presence of ovarian cysts.

Symptoms of changes in insulin levels

Changes in hormone levels are always manifested by certain changes in the functioning of organs and systems.

Signs of a sharp decrease in insulin and increase in glucose levels are as follows (symptoms of diabetes):

strong thirst;
increased appetite;

Insulin is produced by the pancreas. This is a special hormone that is responsible for removing excess sugar from the blood. It is this function that is widely known. But insulin also performs other, no less significant functions.

Action of insulin

Insulin belongs to the category of polypeptide hormones, which are very important for the entire “organic universe” of man. What functions should he perform?

It delivers amino acids to working cells. The hormone helps “open” the cell so that it allows glucose, a source of energy, to pass through.
Participates in the process of building muscle tissue.
Thanks to the hormone, potassium and amino acids are also delivered to the cells.

Fluctuations in the level of this polypeptide hormone can be accompanied by headache, spontaneous pain in the gastrointestinal tract, sleepy state and constipation. If the pancreas malfunctions, the normal production of insulin is disrupted.

Norm

A low or high level of insulin in the blood is an alarm signal; you need to understand the reasons in time and take action. necessary measures to maintain your health for many years.

The normal presence of the hormone in the blood is from 5.5 to 10 µU/ml. This is the average. On an empty stomach, its level is from 3 to 27 µU/ml. However, during pregnancy it is normal for women hormonal levels slightly higher than 6-27 µU/ml. This figure is also increased in older people.

You need to know: insulin levels are measured only on an empty stomach. After eating, its indicator always increases. Such a blood test, when a person has eaten in the morning, will not be correct. Insulin levels increase after meals adolescence. In childhood, there is no such dependence on hormone production.

It is also recognized among doctors that a level of 11.5 µU/ml is already an indicator of a prediabetic state. That is, acquired diabetes mellitus develops.

What happens to a person’s health when insulin is elevated? Blood sugar may only be normal temporarily in such a situation. Eating only carbohydrates leads to the need for the pancreas to keep insulin at a constantly high level. But over time, tissues become resistant to the hormone, and the gland depletes its resources. Insulin levels begin to drop.

Glucose still passes into fat layers; glycogen (unused energy) is stored in the liver. does not go beyond the norm immediately, for a week or two. This process happens slowly. An increased level of the hormone insulin is just as unfavorable as a decreased one. Over time, a person faces the following diseases:

cardiac ischemia;
Alzheimer's disease;
polycystic ovary syndrome in women;
erectile dysfunction in men;
hypertension (high blood pressure).

If elevated insulin is detected in the blood, what does this mean? This means that blood clots do not dissolve, blood pressure increases, the elasticity of blood vessels is impaired, and sodium is retained in the kidneys. That is, the health situation is getting worse all the time. According to rough calculations, the risk of myocardial infarction increases in such people by almost 2 times.

Signs of increased insulin

It is better to detect insulin resistance as early as possible. As long as the body has not been subjected to significant pathological processes. To tell whether insulin in the blood is elevated or not, the doctor just needs to interview the person and find out whether the following problems bother him:

If several of these symptoms are detected, you should immediately take a blood glucose test. And if from time to time the patient is bothered by attacks of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar, and a sharp one), then they prescribe special diet. The sugar level is then maintained mainly with the help of a glucose solution.

Causes of increased insulin. Insulinoma

It is important to know why insulin in the blood is increased. The reasons may vary. For example:

prolonged hunger;
heavy physical activity;
pregnancy;
taking certain medications;
the diet contains too much food rich in glucose;
poor liver function.

However, sometimes the cause is prolonged malnutrition and bringing the nervous system to complete exhaustion. Then you need a long rest and good food so that the hormone level returns to normal.

This anomaly is also caused by a tumor in the pancreas, which is called insulinoma. In cancer, insulin levels are always elevated. Insulinoma is also accompanied by other, more significant painful symptoms.

Symptoms appear mainly in the early morning hours. Pancreatic cancer has no cure. The tumor can only be cut out and care must be taken to ensure that no secondary tumors arise in the brain or liver.

How to lower insulin levels?

But sometimes it happens that it is revealed in the analysis increased glucose, blood insulin is quite consistent normal indicators. This analysis indicates the imminent onset of diabetes. A sedentary lifestyle leads to weight gain and metabolic syndrome. Endocrinologists call it a combination of prediabetic factors.

The body's failure to accept insulin is called insulin resistance. This is the first step to This mechanism is triggered when too much is taken sweet food, and the body gets used to high insulin levels. Then, despite the fact that the pancreas produces more polypeptide hormone, glucose is not absorbed by the body as it should. This leads to obesity. But sometimes this is due to aversion to fructose for hereditary reasons.

To prevent the process of “blocking” insulin, you need to help the body. Glucose must enter the muscles, the metabolism is activated, and the weight returns to normal. At the same time, the level of sex hormones is normalized. That is, you need to play sports and switch to healthy foods that suit your body type and lifestyle.

Low insulin. Diabetes

Low insulin causes blood sugar to gradually rise. Cells cannot process glucose supplied with food. This situation is very dangerous. An increase in sugar levels is easy to notice. Symptoms that accompany glucose deficiency include:

rapid breathing;
blurred vision;
loss of appetite;
Sometimes vomiting and stomach pain bother me.

Very low level such an important hormone is characterized by the following factors:

I feel very hungry.
Unreasonable anxiety worries.
I'm thirsty.
The temperature rises and sweat occurs.

Impaired insulin production ultimately leads to type 1 diabetes.

This type of diabetes develops in children and young people, often after suffering certain diseases. In this case, it is imperative to constantly monitor your glucose levels using a glucometer.

Diabetic neuropathy. Consequence of diabetes

Since insulin increases, the functioning of the nervous system is disrupted over time. After 10-15 years, diabetic neuropathy invariably begins. It is divided into several types: autonomous, peripheral and focal. Most often, diabetics are accompanied by signs of peripheral neuropathy. They are:

decreased sensitivity or numbness of the limbs;
lack of coordination;
loss of balance;
tingling, numbness and pain in the extremities (usually in the feet).

To prevent further development of neuropathy, you need to constantly get your blood tested and monitor your sugar levels. Quitting smoking and alcoholic beverages is mandatory.

Of course, the disease also occurs for other reasons - injuries, exposure to toxic substances, and other reasons. But almost always it is acquired diabetes, which slowly develops and gradually destroys the walls of blood vessels and nerve tissue, is a cause of neuropathy.

Other consequences of diabetes are glaucoma and poor circulation. Blood circulation is reduced until ulcers form on the limbs, followed by amputation.

Diabetes treatment

Based on blood sugar tests, the doctor will prescribe the necessary treatment. In diabetes, which is caused by insufficient pancreatic secretion (type 1), you have to inject insulin 2 times a day. The doctor also prescribes a diet devoid of sucrose, which must be followed steadily throughout life.

Well, type 2 diabetes is most often a consequence of stress and infidelity, sedentary lifestyle life, resulting in increased insulin in the blood. This type is called non-insulin-dependent diabetes and is treated with certain medications. It is advisable to find any sport you like and give moderate physical activity to your muscles. However, insulin levels also need to be checked constantly and consulted with your attending endocrinologist.

Proper nutrition for diabetics

The basis of diabetes treatment is diet. It depends on what the insulin level is. If insulin in the blood is elevated, you need to adhere to the following recommendations.

Dairy products are healthy, but low-fat.
Whole grains.
Lean fish.
Boiled eggs, no more than 3 pcs. for 7 days.
Meat should be avoided, especially pork that is too fatty.

You must eat at strictly designated hours. Then the body will produce all the necessary digestive enzymes in time.

It is also important that the portions are small, but you need to eat 5 or even 6 times a day.

We know that insulin increases blood sugar, so for those who suffer from insulin-dependent diabetes, the diet is stricter. In such a diet, all calories must be strictly calculated so that there is enough insulin to process each molecule of sucrose into energy.

Life without bad habits is the best prevention

In fact, a disease like diabetes has almost no cure. IN in rare cases improvement in the patient's condition can be observed. In the event that he is constantly under the control of doctors.

But most likely, even with constant sugar control, the disease will progress and result in either cancerous tumor, or in severe obesity, shortness of breath and heart attack.

It is best to go for a walk more often, protect your nervous system from unnecessary stress with physical activity and a joyful attitude towards life. A moderate diet, without excess fat, without fast foods, will prolong your life and save you from many diseases. Not only from impaired insulin levels.