home Drugs Insulin deciphering the norm in the blood. What is the normal insulin level in women and what are the dangers of deviations?

Insulin deciphering the norm in the blood. What is the normal insulin level in women and what are the dangers of deviations?

Insulin is a protein hormone produced by the pancreas. Renders big influence on metabolic processes in almost all tissues of the body. One of its main tasks is to control blood glucose levels.

Thanks to insulin, the process of glucose absorption by fat and muscle cells is accelerated, and the formation of new glucose cells in the liver is inhibited. Creates a supply of glycogen - a form of glucose - in cells, promotes the preservation and accumulation of other energy sources, such as fats and proteins. Thanks to insulin, their breakdown and utilization are inhibited.

If the pancreatic function is not impaired and the gland is in order, it constantly produces the amount of insulin necessary for the normal functioning of the entire body. After eating, the volume of insulin increases, this is necessary for the high-quality processing of incoming proteins, fats and carbohydrates.

In the event that there are functional deviations in the activity of the pancreas, a malfunction occurs in the functioning of the whole organism. This disease is called diabetes mellitus.

When there is insufficient insulin production, diabetes first type. In this disease, the beta cells of the pancreas, which produce insulin, are destroyed. The body is not able to properly assimilate incoming food.

To keep the body functioning in good condition, such a patient is given insulin “for food” before meals. The volume that should cope with the high-quality processing of incoming food. Insulin is also administered between meals. The purpose of these injections is to provide normal work body in between meals.

When insulin is produced in the body in the required volume, but its quality is impaired - type 2 diabetes mellitus occurs. With this type of disease, the quality of insulin is reduced and it cannot have the desired effect on the body's cells. In fact, such insulin is of no use. It is unable to process glucose in the blood. At this type drugs are used to stimulate insulin to act.

Blood insulin level is normal

Insulin. Norm for women by age (table)

The level of normal insulin in the blood of both men and women is approximately the same, there are slight differences in certain situations.

When the glucose level in the body increases, the pancreas begins to produce insulin more actively. Such moments in healthy female body occur during puberty, pregnancy and old age.

All these situations are clearly reflected in the tables below:

The level of insulin in a woman’s blood varies depending on her age. Over the years it has increased noticeably.

Normal blood insulin levels in men

In men, just like in women, the amount of insulin in the body changes depending on age.

In old age, additional energy is required, so after sixty, in men, as in women, the volume of insulin produced becomes greater and reaches 35 mcad/l.

Insulin in the blood. Normal in children and adolescents

Children and teenagers make up special category. Children do not need additional energy, so their production of this hormone is slightly reduced. But during puberty the picture changes dramatically. Against the background of everyone hormonal surge Indicators of insulin levels in the blood of adolescents become higher.

When insulin levels fluctuate within the above indicated numbers, this means that the person is healthy. In a situation where the hormone is higher than the indicated indicators, upper diseases may develop over the years. respiratory tract and other organs, these processes may become irreversible.

Insulin is a hormone with character. Its level can be affected by many factors - stress, physical strain, pancreatic disease, but most often the disorder is caused by a person's existing diabetes.

Symptoms indicating that there is an increase in insulin are itching, dry mouth, long-healing wounds, increased appetite, but at the same time there is a tendency to lose weight.

A situation where insulin is below the required level indicates prolonged physical activity or that a person has type 1 diabetes. Diseases of the pancreas should also not be excluded. Pallor, palpitations, fainting, irritability, and sweating are often added to the above symptoms.

How to find out your insulin level?

An analysis is required to determine insulin levels. There are two main types of analysis - after a glucose load and on an empty stomach. In order to make a diagnosis of diabetes, both of these tests must be performed. Such a study can be carried out exclusively in a clinical setting.

This analysis is carried out on an empty stomach in the morning, so that the results most clearly reflect reality; it is recommended not to eat at least 12 hours before blood sampling. That's why this analysis prescribed in the morning, which allows you to prepare well for donating blood.

The day before the analysis, all fatty food, sweets, and alcoholic drinks should also be abstained. Otherwise, the result obtained may not correspond to reality, which will complicate the procedure correct setting diagnosis.

In addition to menu adjustments, it is necessary to lead a calmer lifestyle on the eve of the test - give up active sports, heavy physical work, try to avoid emotional experiences. It would be a good idea to quit smoking a day before the test.

After sleep, before donating blood for analysis, you should not eat or drink anything except clean, still water. Blood is drawn from a finger, in rare cases Venous blood is collected, also on an empty stomach.

In addition to blood tests, doctors often prescribe ultrasound examination pancreas, which allows us to find out the reasons for improper insulin production.

Results may be lower than in the table above. So the normal indicator for an adult will be parameters from 1.9 to 23 µC/l. for children under 14 years of age, this figure can vary from 2 to 20 mCed/L. in pregnant women this figure will be from 6 to 27 mCed/l.

Insulin norm during glucose load

To understand how quickly and how well the body is able to produce insulin, a test is performed to determine this hormone after an insulin load. Preparation for this diagnostic method is carried out in exactly the same way as in the previous case. You should not eat for at least 8 hours; you should avoid smoking, alcohol and physical activity.

Before testing the level of insulin in the patient’s blood, two hours before blood sampling, he is given a glucose solution to drink - 75 ml for adults and 50 ml for children. After the solution is drunk, the body begins the processes of producing insulin and its work to neutralize glucose.

During the entire time you must not perform active physical activities or smoke. After two hours, the blood is taken for analysis, measuring insulin levels.

During collection, the patient is required to remain calm, otherwise the result may be incorrect.
After such an analysis normal indicators there will be the following parameters: for an adult the numbers will be from 13 to 15 mKed/l, for a woman carrying a baby the normal indicators will be numbers from 16 to 17 mKed/l, for children under 14 years of age the normal values will be numbers from 10 to 11 mKed/l .

In some cases, it may be advisable to conduct a double analysis to determine the insulin content in human plasma. The first test is performed on an empty stomach in the morning, after which the patient is given glucose to drink and blood sampling is repeated two hours later. The combined analysis will provide an expanded picture of the action of insulin.

How do insulin levels change after eating?

After eating, proteins, fats and carbohydrates enter the body, the pancreas begins to actively produce hormones for the proper absorption of all this variety. That is, the volume of insulin increases sharply, which is why it is impossible to correctly determine the norm of insulin content in the human body after eating. As food is processed, insulin levels return to normal.

Insulin is an essential hormone for maintaining normal metabolism in the human body. The level of insulin in the blood obtained during a hormone test can explain many processes associated with metabolism.

Very often, an analysis result that is higher than normal can explain the presence of excess weight. If the level is below normal, there may be clinical picture with poor digestibility of carbohydrates and, as a result, weight will be insufficient. Many women are interested in what is the normal level of insulin in women? The first thing you need to know is In men and women, the normal indicators are absolutely the same, with the exception of pregnant women and children.

The only regularity is that men, according to statistics, have a higher risk of developing diabetes after the age of forty, due to a greater tendency to an unhealthy lifestyle. Therefore, men should carefully monitor the health of their pancreas. The action of insulin is aimed at regulating carbohydrate metabolism. Its mechanism of action is simple - after eating food it begins to increase significantly with glucose, roughly speaking, the higher the glucose, the higher the insulin will be. To settle increased level glucose, insulin rises to absorb the resulting carbohydrates, and also so that the cells can receive sugar. Thanks to this hormone, the transfer of glucose, potassium, non-essential and essential amino acids occurs.

Norms of indicators

First of all, people with suspected diabetes mellitus receive a referral for a hormone level test. Thanks to the indicators, it is possible to reveal a more accurate picture when diagnosing the disease (what type of diabetes mellitus, how advanced the situation is).

at healthy person indicators will be in the range of 3 – 26 µU per milliliter;
in children, indicators start from 3 to 19 µU per milliliter (slightly lower than in adults);
normal values, higher than in the normal state, in pregnant women are considered to be from 6 to 28 µU per milliliter, and in older people the norm starts from 6 to 35 µU per milliliter.

Hormone levels fluctuate throughout the day. In addition, this indicator changes in females during puberty, in women. receiving hormonal drugs. Diet can also affect the amount of insulin in women.

The following factors may indicate that hormone levels deviate from normal:

frequent urination,
constant desire to drink,
chronic fatigue,
the skin on the palms and feet often itches,
wounds heal poorly.

If such signs appear, you should contact a specialist and undergo an examination.

How to get tested correctly

as with most hormone tests, blood is taken in the morning strictly on an empty stomach;
the day before the test, you need to exclude intensive physical exercise;
12 hours before taking the hormone, you should not eat food, you should not drink tea, coffee or juice in the morning, you can only have regular still water. The minimum period between the test and food consumption is 8 hours;
also 2 days before the scheduled date in the laboratory you need to stop eating fatty foods
the day before you should not drink alcoholic beverages;
2-3 hours before the test, you should not smoke;
girls can be tested for this hormone regardless of the day menstrual cycle, since insulin is not a sex hormone, and the date of the cycle will not affect the result in any way.

Elevated insulin levels

A value higher than normal may be caused by:

constant exhausting physical activity (especially for the fair sex, who like to torment themselves with extra stress in the gym);
chronic experiences and stressful situations;
certain pathologies of the liver and biliary tract;
type 2 diabetes mellitus;
increased levels of growth hormone in the body (acromegaly);
Cushing's syndrome, obesity;
mnsulinoma (a neoplasm that can distort indicators in an inflated direction);
dystrophic mitotonia (neuromuscular conduction disease);
violation metabolic processes;
failure of the pituitary gland;
polycystic ovary syndrome (exclusively female disease);
benign neoplasms in the adrenal glands;
diseases of the pancreas.

What could a lower level of values indicate?

A low level sometimes indicates:

type 1 diabetes;
constant sedentary lifestyle, especially in men;
problems with the pineal gland;
excessive physical activity (especially on an empty stomach);
daily consumption of excessive amounts of sugar and flour;
severe nervous tension;
chronic course of an infectious disease.

Insulin resistance index and why it is carried out

The insulin resistance index is a specific test that is performed to detect insulin resistance. Before taking it, unnecessary physical activity is eliminated so that the resulting index after testing is not distorted. Insulin resistance is a violation of the biological response in body tissues to insulin received from the outside or produced internally.

To obtain the indicators of this index, you need to administer insulin intravenously on an empty stomach at the rate of 0.1 unit per 1 kilogram of body weight. After administration of the substance, it is necessary to measure the glucose level in the body every minute for fifteen minutes (short test). Alternatively, you can measure your glucose levels every 5 minutes for 40 minutes after the IV drug is given.

The long version of the test is to measure your glucose levels every 10 minutes for an hour. Testing is possible for everyone, including men and children. Suspicion of insulin resistance may be caused by the following factors:

obesity or intense fat deposition in the abdominal area (waist, sides and abdomen);
detection of protein in urine analysis;
chronically high blood pressure;
poor levels of total cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood.

The most obvious symptom among all is fat deposits on the waist and abdomen. Knowing your insulin resistance index will help you avoid many health problems in the future. It is recommended that everyone over 40 years of age learn the insulin resistance index, especially men, because they are genetically prone to abdominal obesity. Moreover, after 40 people’s physical activity decreases sharply.

Insulin is considered an essential polypeptide hormone that provides normal functioning cells. It is produced by the pancreas and delivers glucose, potassium, amino acids to cells, regulates carbohydrate balance and is responsible for metabolic processes. The mechanism of action is the opening of cell membranes, due to which the body is fed with glucose. The most important indicator of the functioning of the system is the level of insulin in the blood on an empty stomach, the value of which ranges from 3-27 µU/ml, and after meals - 6-35 µU/ml.

The effect of insulin on the body

1. The normal insulin level is considered to be 5.5-10 µU/ml. Maximum permissible upper limit- 11.5 units, but doctors say that this condition, called intolerance, indicates the initial stage of diabetes. If the amount of hormones is not normal, then the cells lose sensitivity to secretion. Depending on the results of the analysis, the type of diabetes is determined and a treatment regimen is prescribed.

With a constant glucose level of 20 µU/m and above, a person is at risk fatal outcome. Sharp fluctuations Insulin in the blood causes a malfunction of the brain, which is manifested by the following symptoms:

headache,
drowsiness,
strong thirst
diuretic effect,
dysfunction of the cardiovascular system,
constipation,
overweight,
the occurrence of pain in the gastrointestinal tract.

High insulin causes blockage of the enzyme (lipase) that breaks down fats in the body, which causes dandruff, trophic ulcers, impotence, seborrhea, increased greasiness hair, excess fat accumulation. Changes in lipid metabolism cause the formation cholesterol plaques, development of atherosclerosis and increased blood pressure. Scientists suggest that work depends on its level nervous system and kidneys, as well as the proliferation of malignant cells.

Excessive levels of polypeptide hormones are observed in the following cases:

pathological condition of the liver,
obesity,
hereditary fructose intolerance,
muscular dystrophy,
for diabetes mellitus (type 2),
for inflammation and various forms pancreatic neoplasms,
in case of pregnancy.

If the level of insulin in the blood on an empty stomach is too low, then this is indicated by such signs as:

numbness of fingers, mouth and nasal cavity,
panic state
nausea and dizziness,
anxiety, tearfulness, bad mood;
the appearance of muscle and stomach pain,
irretention;
tachycardia, weakness during physical effort, shortness of breath.

The drop in the indicator to the lower limit is due to:

with excessive physical activity,
with the development of diabetes mellitus (type 1),
with some diseases.

Ways to lower insulin

The production of pancreatic secretion is influenced by sex hormones, carbohydrates from food, and lifestyle.

Sports and dietary food facilitate the transport of glucose into muscles, promote weight loss and activate metabolic processes that block insulin rejection, called insulin resistance.

Insulin is a hormonal substance whose main function is to lower blood sugar. With a deficiency of the hormone in question, hyperglycemia develops (glucose content increases), while its excessive secretion threatens a critical drop in sugar concentration, or hypoglycemia. Let's consider what the level of insulin in the blood of a healthy person should be.

Insulin is a protein substance that is synthesized in the pancreas. The activity of production of this hormone in to a large extent depends on the blood sugar level: with hyperglycemia, the insulin concentration increases, with hypoglycemia it decreases. Since insulin promotes the utilization of glucose by tissues, with its deficiency, cells throughout the body begin to feel energy hunger, which causes various dystrophic changes, and toxic substances (ketones, etc.) enter the bloodstream. However, an overabundance of this hormone is no less dangerous, leading to serious neurological disorders(up to the development of coma).

Insulin and diabetes

If for some reason pancreatic cells stop producing insulin in sufficient quantities, type 1 diabetes develops (which is why it is called insulin-dependent). With this disease, the patient is administered synthetic insulin drugs in doses that ensure stable normal blood sugar levels.

If enough of the hormone in question is released, but the tissues are not susceptible to it, type 2 diabetes mellitus (non-insulin dependent) occurs, for which treatment is used special drugs, affecting both the absorption of glucose in the intestines, and the synthesis of “correct” insulin, and the sensitivity of tissues to it. As the disease progresses, patients with type 2 diabetes are also transferred to insulin therapy, since their pancreatic production of the glucose-lowering hormone is gradually suppressed.

Determination of insulin concentration in the blood: indications

This study allows us to evaluate the insulin-producing function of the pancreas. In addition, it is used in the diagnosis of insulinoma (a tumor arising from insulin-synthesizing pancreatic cells), as well as to identify the cause of hypoglycemic conditions.

In patients with already diagnosed diabetes mellitus, an insulin test is performed in cases where it is necessary to decide whether to transfer the patient to insulin therapy (for example, in the absence of effect from glucose-lowering drugs). Besides, this study can be carried out within comprehensive examination patients with metabolic syndrome and polycystic ovary syndrome.

Insulin: normal levels in the blood

The normal level in the blood for the hormone in question is 3.0 - 25.0 µU/ml, but this is only provided that the patient strictly complies with the rules of preparation for the study (the test must be taken on an empty stomach, since after eating glucose is absorbed into the blood and the concentration of the glucose-lowering drug increases accordingly hormone). Concerning normal values parameter being studied in humans different ages, then both adults and children have the same values.

But in pregnant women, a slight increase in insulin levels is possible. If at the same time future mom has no health problems and her other indicators are in perfect order carbohydrate metabolism(sugar in capillary blood, glucose tolerance test), this phenomenon is considered by doctors as a variant of the norm.

Insulin below normal: reasons

A drop in this indicator below 3.0 µU/ml may be associated with the following diseases:

Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
Non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.
Hypopituitarism (hypofunction of the pituitary gland).
Prolonged and intense physical activity.

In addition, some medications can affect insulin levels: beta-blockers, Phenobarbital, Cimetidine, Clofibrate, Furosemide and others.

Insulin is higher than normal: reasons

An increase in insulin concentration above normal is typical for the following diseases:

Insulinomas.
Type 2 diabetes ( early stages diseases).
Acromegaly.
Obesity.
Liver pathologies.
Itsenko-Cushing syndrome.
Muscular dystrophy.
Seminal intolerance to carbohydrates (galactose and fructose).

Can also cause a jump in the concentration of the hormone in question medicines: growth hormone, Glucagon, drugs containing glucose and sucrose, oral contraceptives, Spironolactone, Prednisolone, Secretin, Quinidine and others.

Insulin is a fairly discussed term, but judging by surveys of clinic visitors, not everyone understands what it is. IN best case scenario 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 with 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 (on initial stages illnesses),
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, menstrual irregularities, 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, are also growing soft fabrics), disproportionate growth of 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 a comprehensive examination by 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.