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DESCRIPTION:
Hyperinsulinemia, sometimes also called Syndrome X, refers to a failure of the endocrine system to properly use glucose. When we eat, our bodies break down the food into three basic components – proteins (amino acids), carbohydrates (glucose) and fats (fatty acids) – all of which are absorbed into the bloodstream. Of the three, carbohydrates have a far greater effect on raising blood sugar than fats or protein. Under normal conditions, the beta cells of the pancreas secrete insulin in response to rising glucose levels in the blood. Over time, the pancreas can become exhausted trying to produce enough insulin to deal with abnormally high glucose levels. When this happens, the body no longer responds to the effects of insulin on the blood sugar and the patient is diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is related to insulin resistance, or the lack of the ability of the body to respond to insulin appropriately, as opposed to Type 1, which requires total insulin replacement for survival because the body does not make adequate amounts.
How does hyperinsulinemia develop?
Hyperinsulinemia is almost always caused by an individual’s diet. When a person eats, the body breaks down the food into usable energy. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the body to transport glucose into the cells for their energy source. When the cells no longer respond properly to insulin, this forces the body to produce more insulin to get the necessary response. When the body's cells are resistant to the action of the insulin, it is called insulin resistance (IR). As a result, the pancreas produces much more insulin than normal. Over time this can cause the pancreas to become exhausted and unable to keep up with the body’s demand for insulin, leading to hyperinsulinemia. The condition may also be the result of a tumor of the pancreas, called an insulinoma, which secretes excess insulin.
Risks associated with hyperinsulinemia include artherosclerosis, elevated triglycerides (increased risk of heart disease and stroke), high uric acid (gout), polycystic ovary syndrome (endocrine disorder), Type 2 diabetes, lack of activity, obesity, hypertension (high blood pressure), endocrine disorders in women and blood clotting problems.
What are the symptoms of hyperinsulinemia?
Symptoms of hyperinsulinemia include weight gain, cravings for sugar, intense hunger, weakness, need for frequent meals, poor concentration, emotional instability, memory loss, lack of focus, feelings of anxiety or panic, lack of motivation and fatigue. If, on the other hand, the condition leads to abnormally low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), symptoms may include sweating, weakness, slurred speech, confusion and seizures.
Conventional medical treatments may help relieve the symptoms of hyperinsulinemia, but they do not address the root of the problem. Discover why we believe that natural medicine treatments are the best way to treat hyperinsulinemia.
Learn about the treatments for
Hyperinsulinemia
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