💊What Is Hyperinsulinemia?
Hyperinsulinemia is an early indicator of metabolic dysfunction. It is a condition characterized by an excess of insulin in the bloodstream. Hyper-: “over,” “above,” or “excessive. “Insulin: Insulin, and-emia: A suffix of Greek origin meaning “condition of the blood.”
Hyperinsulinemia is often associated with insulin resistance – a condition in which the body’s cells stop responding effectively to insulin. This leads to higher insulin production by the pancreas to compensate for the lack of insulin response and try maintain normal blood sugar levels, in turn resulting in more hyperinsulinemia, leading to more insulin resistance, and so on and so forth. Its a vicious cycle♻️. Typically, fasting insulin levels above 25 mIU/L are considered indicative of hyperinsulinemia.
Causes of Hyperinsulinemia
Environmental Factors:
- High-sugar diet – Martins FO, Conde SV. Impact of Diet Composition on Insulin Resistance. Nutrients. 2022;14(18):3716. Published 2022 Sep 9. doi:10.3390/nu14183716
- Obesity – Kim MK, Reaven GM, Kim SH. Dissecting the relationship between obesity and hyperinsulinemia: Role of insulin secretion and insulin clearance. Obesity (Silver Spring). 2017;25(2):378-383. doi:10.1002/oby.21699
- Sedentary lifestyle – Yaribeygi H, Maleki M, Sathyapalan T, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A. Pathophysiology of Physical Inactivity-Dependent Insulin Resistance: A Theoretical Mechanistic Review Emphasizing Clinical Evidence. J Diabetes Res. 2021;2021:7796727. Published 2021 Oct 7. doi:10.1155/2021/7796727
Genetic and epigenetic variants associated with hyperinsulinemia
- Genetic predisposition -A number of studies have implicated various genes involved in obesity and other metabolic outcomes and hyperinsulinemia. Thomas DD, Corkey BE, Istfan NW, Apovian CM. Hyperinsulinemia: An Early Indicator of Metabolic Dysfunction. J Endocr Soc. 2019;3(9):1727-1747. Published 2019 Jul 24. doi:10.1210/js.2019-00065
Risks and Complications of Hyperinsulinemia
Having too much insulin in the blood can be problematic as it can lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), increased fat storage, and a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Additionally, elevated insulin levels can contribute to complex metabolic issues and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
🤔 Why you need to know:
Because (and you should probably sit down for this one) a recent analysis of NHANES data from 2021 found that 40% of US adults aged 18 to 44 are insulin-resistant. Freeman AM, Acevedo LA, Pennings N. Insulin Resistance. [Updated 2023 Aug 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. So basically, about half the people you know 🫠.
Understanding hyperinsulinemia is crucial as it can be a precursor to more serious conditions like type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and obesity… and therefore, its is really important you make sure you are not part of that 40%. Do you remember that infographic on diabetes being the most expensive disease? Right, you really don’t want diabetes.
Here are practical steps to manage and prevent hyperinsulinemia:
- Healthy Diet: Focus on a diet rich in whole foods, including vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Avoid high-sugar and processed foods.
- Regular Exercise: Engage in both aerobic and resistance training exercises to improve insulin sensitivity.
- Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the risk of hyperinsulinemia.
- Monitor Carbohydrate Intake: Be mindful of the type and amount of carbohydrates consumed. Opt for low-GI foods that cause a gradual rise in blood sugar levels.
- Regular Medical Check-ups: Regular monitoring of blood sugar and insulin levels can help detect and manage hyperinsulinemia early.
🧠 Trivia:
Hyperinsulinemia was first described in the 1960s. The condition was identified through the study of metabolic disorders and insulin resistance, leading to a better understanding of the relationship between high insulin levels and chronic diseases.
