What should insulin be normally? Extended-release insulins
Insulin is also involved in carbohydrate metabolism and helps ensure that sugar comes from blood vessels in the tissue of various important organs.
An increased amount of insulin should be alarming, but many do not pay attention to it due to the fact that visible problems There are no health problems. Meanwhile, a seemingly harmless high insulin level can cause serious and negative consequences.
Elevated insulin and symptoms
If insulin in the blood is high, symptoms may include:
- A person experiences constant feeling hunger, despite nutritious and regular meals.
- A person gets tired quickly and often feels weak.
- The patient may experience active sweating.
- Often, high insulin levels cause shortness of breath, despite small physical exercise on the body.
- Pain may be felt in the muscles, and leg cramps are also possible.
- On skin Itching is often felt, while fresh wounds and abrasions heal very slowly.
Certainly, similar symptoms may also be observed in other diseases, however, at the first signs described above, you should immediately consult a doctor and undergo full examination to find out the reason feeling unwell patient. The specialist will conduct an insulin test and do everything necessary to reduce the levels to normal and eliminate unwanted symptoms.
High insulin levels and reasons for its increase
High levels of insulin in the blood can be observed in patients who love sweets and often eat foods containing large amounts of sugar and carbohydrates. In order not to feel hungry, you need to eat right and build the necessary regime. Experts recommend eating often, but little by little, with light snacks between breakfast, lunch and dinner.
You need to eat food regularly after a certain number of hours. Special therapeutic diet will help you choose truly healthy and nutritious foods for your daily menu.
The reasons for increased insulin in the blood may lie in overwork of the body due to excessive physical exertion. Also, such indicators can be caused by a nervous state, constant stress and anxiety, especially in women.
Meanwhile, the main reasons are most often hidden in general condition person and management unhealthy image life. In particular, obesity often means that a person is experiencing health problems. High body weight in women and men slows down the absorption of fat cells and reduces energy. This means that circulation in the blood vessels may be impaired, and the patient may also have kidney failure.
With a lack of vitamin E and chromium, an increase in the level of insulin in the blood can also be observed.
This means that a person needs to compensate for the lack of vitamins and nutrients with the help of vitamin preparations And healthy products which the diet includes. Reception vitamin complexes will help strengthen intercellular membranes and develop resistance to fatty oxidation. This, in turn, means that there are no reasons for the active production of insulin for the purpose of breaking down fats.
Diseases can also increase insulin infectious nature, kidney diseases, the presence of tumors in abdominal area, tumors in the adrenal glands.
Blood insulin levels
The permissible level of the hormone in the blood of women and men is 3-20 µU/ml. To find out the exact indicators, a blood test is performed on an empty stomach. This is due to the fact that after eating, the pancreas actively produces insulin, which can lead to incorrect test results.
In children this feature does not work, so their blood test is carried out regardless of food intake and does not change. Insulin becomes dependent on food intake adolescence when the organum matures.
A decreased level of the hormone in the blood may indicate that human body is on the verge of fatigue or the patient is experiencing high sugar in the blood, which causes diabetes. In this case, the patient experiences a rapid heartbeat, a feeling of anxiety, frequent irritation and sweating.
Determination of insulin levels in the blood
A test to determine the level of insulin in the blood is usually performed in order to assess how well the pancreas is working. Any signs of an increase or decrease in the hormone leads to disruption of the functioning of this vital organ.
There are two main types of blood tests to obtain the necessary indicators of hormonal composition.
- In the first case in laboratory conditions Blood is taken from the patient on an empty stomach. At least eight hours should pass after the last meal.
- In the second case, a glucose tolerance test is used.
To do this, drink dissolved glucose in a glass of water on an empty stomach, after which a blood test is taken from the patient two hours later.
Based on the data obtained, how high the blood sugar is, the insulin level is determined. To obtain reliable data, a three-day diet is required before taking an analysis.
You can also find out your blood glucose level at home using a glucometer. All measurements are carried out exclusively on an empty stomach. Before using the meter, you should thoroughly wash your hands and warm your finger to improve blood circulation. To reduce pain, it is better to puncture the skin of the finger not in the center, but on the side. The first drop of blood is wiped off with a cotton swab, and the second is applied to the test strip.
How to reduce high insulin
Before prescribing treatment, the doctor will conduct a full examination and find out what exactly caused the increase in the hormone in the body. Based laboratory tests And additional research necessary medications, a therapeutic diet is prescribed and a visit to the fitness center is recommended to maintain physical activity. If you follow all the recommendations of doctors, your insulin will soon return to normal.
Diet involves following a diet and eating only healthy foods. Sugar and sweet foods should be removed from the diet immediately. They can be replaced fresh fruits and vegetables, marmalade, marshmallows, as well as quality sweeteners. The diet also includes a strict counting of carbohydrates consumed. There is no need to completely abandon them, but you just need to correctly create a menu and distribute dishes evenly.
At elevated insulin it is necessary to give up salt. The diet should not include foods containing large amounts of sodium, such as sausage, canned food, salted nuts, and crackers.
This includes completely abstaining from drinking alcoholic beverages. Meanwhile, you need to drink at least 2.5 liters of fluid a day to replenish the body with missing elements. For this we recommend:
- sugar-free compote
- fruit drinks,
- drinks made from natural syrups,
- rosehip decoction,
- green tea, to which no sugar is added, is also recommended, by the way.
The diet allows the consumption of any dairy products with low content fat Among the grains you can use for cooking are wheat sprouts, bran, and brown rice.
The therapeutic diet also allows you to include meat in your diet. low-fat varieties, poultry and low-fat fish. Eggs are allowed, but they can be eaten no more than three times a week.
It is recommended to eat vegetables raw or boiled, without adding sugar to dishes. The diet allows you to eat watermelons, melons, pears and apples. Citrus fruits in the form of oranges and grapefruits are especially recommended. Among the berries, the diet allows strawberries, raspberries, strawberries, and cherries.
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 normal functioning the body, its 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 of a healthy person is shown 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 Type 1 diabetes mellitus 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. Development in a child diabetes mellitus the first type is always accompanied by a sharp decrease in body weight, possible development hypoglycemic conditions. Symptoms such as weight loss, increased thirst and increased volume of daily urine are absolute indications for analysis.
Insulin levels are also determined in order to determine the effect of the therapy. Medications diabetics receive 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. Wherein glycated hemoglobin- this is a more reliable type of analysis: the glucose that the red blood cell has “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, one day before the analysis.
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 A way 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
The decline 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, 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
Elevated levels may be a sign of:
- 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 sharp decline insulin and increased glucose levels are as follows (symptoms of diabetes):
- strong thirst;
- increased appetite;
To digest food, the human body produces big number various hormones.
Insulin is a type of hormone that helps transport nutrients throughout the body and is produced by the pancreas.
Insulin in the blood has many different functions. The main ones are:
- delivery and assistance in the absorption of glucose by muscle and fat cells;
- implementation of the process of creating glucogen in the liver;
- controlling the process of protein synthesis, due to which they break down more slowly, which contributes to their accumulation in fat cells;
- activation of glucose metabolism;
- inhibition of the functions of proteins that break down fats and glycogen;
- transportation of potassium, magnesium, calcium and other useful substances.
Carrying out its tasks, insulin takes part in every metabolic process. As a result, it is the main hormone that maintains carbohydrate balance in the human body.
That is why any violation in the amount of insulin leads to uncontrolled weight gain or unexplained fatigue. Such symptoms should force a person to see a doctor in order to find out whether his insulin is normal.
The level of insulin in the blood indicates problems with metabolic processes. It is measured in micro units per liter (mu/l).
The amount of this hormone is not constant and varies depending on the number of years lived and when the analysis was performed.
For example, the rate will be significantly different if done on an empty stomach or after a meal. But in any case, the indicators will not be higher or lower than certain values.
Normal indicators in women
The level of insulin in the blood of women depends on age. Pregnancy also affects the amount of hormone produced. The limits of acceptable values are presented in the table:
It can be seen that the level of insulin in the blood of women increases significantly with age, as well as during pregnancy. This is due to the fact that during these periods the body needs a large number of energy, which leads to an increase in the hormone.
In men
The level of insulin in the blood of men also depends on the years lived. If we take the same annual intervals, then permissible quantity hormone will look like this:
Comparing the indicators for men and women, it is clear that they are equal and increase towards retirement age.
In children
Insulin levels in children also depend on age. Until puberty, it is lower, since there is no need for a large amount of energy.
However, after 14 years, the body of adolescents begins to undergo significant changes in hormonal level. In this regard, the amount of energy consumed by young people increases sharply, which leads to an increase in the amount of insulin produced. The standards are presented in the table:
Tests to determine insulin levels are done in two ways - on an empty stomach and during exercise. Moreover, to determine the exact level, you need to perform both of these options in order to see the dynamics.
The first option shows how much hormone is produced at a time when it is practically not produced by the pancreas. Therefore, the fasting insulin rate in women, men and children usually decreases and is in the lower limits, which is presented in the table:
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After the analysis has been taken on an empty stomach, the second type is carried out - with a glucose load. It, in turn, can also be carried out in two ways - by consuming a glucose solution or simple food.
In the first option, a person is given a glucose solution to drink (50 ml for children, 75 ml for adults) and waits 45-60 minutes, after which blood is taken for analysis. During this time, the body must begin to produce insulin to absorb sugar. The hormone level should increase relative to the first analysis and be in the following ranges:
In the second option, the glucose load is carried out by eating regular food. In this case, insulin should increase relative to the fasting test result by approximately 70%. This is presented in the table:
When determining hormone levels using food, the readings vary depending on what was eaten.
If the insulin level is higher or lower, this indicates problems with its production. In this case, the doctor prescribes additional examinations in order to determine the causes of disturbances in the functioning of the pancreas.
If insulin is low, sugar begins to accumulate due to the fact that it is not processed in the cells. This leads to disruption of the functioning of most organs due to lack of energy.
As a result, a person develops following symptoms:
- constant desire to eat and drink;
- dry skin;
- unreasonable fatigue;
- minor memory lapses;
- drowsiness;
- unmotivated aggression in behavior;
- frequent desire to visit the restroom.
A decrease in insulin usually occurs due to:
- dysfunction of the pituitary gland;
- violations or inflammatory processes pancreas;
- unbalanced diet;
- staying in stressful situations for a long time;
- heavy physical activity;
Low hormone levels are very dangerous. For example, if insulin is below 2 mcd/l, this can cause a hypoglycemic coma in a person, and, as a result, lead to death.
In addition, due to its deficiency, the accumulation of cell waste products begins, which ultimately leads to intoxication, which negatively affects the functioning of organs.
Excess insulin is also dangerous. An increase in hormone levels occurs due to disturbances in the functioning of the pancreas.
In this case, a person experiences the following symptoms:
- breaking into a cold sweat;
- increased heart rate;
- fainting;
- high blood pressure.
The causes of uncontrolled insulin production by the pancreas may be:
- the presence of benign or malignant tumors in the pancreas;
- type 2 diabetes;
- hormonal changes or disruptions;
- infectious or inflammatory diseases pancreas.
Excess insulin in the blood leads to loss of elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, which eventually causes hypertension.
In addition, increased levels of the hormone contribute to the development of obesity, as large amounts of glucose and proteins accumulate in fat cells. High insulin also increases the risk of cancer.
Regardless of whether the level of insulin in the blood is increased or decreased, it must be normalized to prevent the development of pathologies in the body.
A decrease in the hormone is corrected by administering its injections. Third-party insulin comes in several types, which differ from each other in the speed of action and duration of action.
The type, dosage, injection site and hours of taking hormone injections are prescribed only by the attending physician. In addition, the doctor indicates necessary diet which is recommended to be followed.
To reduce the amount of insulin in the blood, diet and physiotherapy. The diet is based on eliminating foods containing large amounts of sugar from the diet. The basis consists of dishes made from vegetables, lean meat, seafood and dairy products. In addition to diet, it is important to constantly exercise the body moderate loads, which helps convert sugar in the body into energy, and, consequently, reduce insulin levels.
If diet and exercise do not help, then medications are prescribed that restore the response of the pancreas to the amount of sugar in the body, which leads to normalization of insulin levels.
Insulin resistance
When conducting tests for insulin and sugar, a situation may arise when normal indicators glucose, the hormone level goes through the roof. Often this indicates a violation of the body’s response in metabolic processes to its own or administered insulin. Moreover, either one of the functions performed by the hormone or all of them at once may not work.
Insulin resistance is a rather dangerous phenomenon that can lead to serious cardiovascular diseases, as well as type 2 diabetes.
The best option is to maintain normal insulin levels.
To do this you need the following:
- follow a certain diet, in which foods with non-toxic ingredients predominate big amount Sahara;
- increase the number of meals per day, while reducing the calorie content of a single serving;
- give up bad habits(use alcoholic drinks and smoking), which negatively affect the pancreas;
- exercise moderately;
- pay attention to walks in the fresh air.
For what healthy person who is doing well, monitor the level of hormones in the blood? It would seem that you feel great, nothing bothers you, so why? The answer is that normal amounts and balance of hormones, including insulin, prolong life. And an overdose or deficiency of this pancreatic hormone leads to obesity, aging and diabetes. If a person takes care of himself and wants to remain young and active as long as possible, he simply needs to keep this important substance for the body under control. It is impossible to remain healthy and energetic when there is “excess” of the hormone in the blood or when, on the contrary, there is extremely little of it. Fortunately, this process can be regulated.
Functions in the body
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas. Its main task is the delivery of glucose, amino acids, fats and potassium to the cells of the body. Its functions also include maintaining sufficient levels of glucose in human blood and regulating carbohydrate balance. It happens like this: when the amount of glucose increases to 100 mg/deciliter, the pancreas turns on and begins to actively produce insulin. This substance binds excess glucose and transports it to a kind of storage - muscle or fat tissue. Once there, glucose is converted into energy or converted into fat and accumulates in the body.
IN normal quantity the hormone insulin is one of the most important regulators of vital important processes in organism. Namely:
- it helps build up muscle mass: activates ribosomes, which are responsible for protein synthesis. And protein, as you know, is the main building material for muscles;
- prevents the destruction of muscle fibers. The anti-catabolic (catabolism is a breakdown process) properties of insulin are no less important than its anabolic (creative) properties. So this hormone protects and renews muscle tissue;
- supplies the cells of our body with amino acids that are necessary for their functioning;
- stimulates the activity of enzymes responsible for the formation of glycogen, a substance that is the main form of glucose storage in the body’s cells.
Everything is fine when the amount of this hormone does not exceed the maximum permissible limits, but if its levels go off scale, it is very harmful to the body and over time leads to obesity, type 2 diabetes, and work disorders of cardio-vascular system and other consequences. Negative Impacts"high" insulin:
- blocks lipase. Lipase is an enzyme that is responsible for the breakdown of fats (triglycerides). If there is no lipase, the body does not burn adipose tissue, but accumulates. As a result, body weight increases;
- enhances lipogenesis - this is synthesis fatty acids. Intense lipogenesis entails an increase in triglycerides, which activate the work sebaceous glands, soon because of this, the skin and hair become oily, acne, seborrhea, and dandruff appear;
- destroys arteries, causing atherosclerosis circulatory system. As a result of lipid metabolism disorders, formations are formed on the walls of blood vessels. cholesterol plaques, then deformation of the artery wall and narrowing of the lumen in it occurs. Vascular atherosclerosis can lead to coronary disease hearts;
- increases blood pressure due to its vasodilating properties. And when there is a lot of it in the body, blood pressure increases. How exactly this happens has not yet been precisely established. Most likely, the hormone affects the kidneys and nervous system, which cause the blood vessels to narrow and therefore the pressure rises;
- stimulates the growth of cancer cells. Therefore, people with diabetes are at risk for cancer.
Constantly in the background high level sugar, a person can develop diseases such as: heart attack, stroke, myopia, asthma, bronchitis, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract, impotence, trophic ulcers. To avoid such serious consequences, it is necessary to control insulin levels in the body.
Norms for hormone levels in the blood, deviations from these norms and methods for determining the corresponding indicators
The insulin rate ranges from 3 to 20 µU/ml. If the indicator fluctuates within the acceptable range, the person is healthy. Important point: analysis for the content of this hormone in the bloodstream is carried out on an empty stomach. After eating, the pancreas begins to actively function, producing insulin, so its content in the blood will be higher than usual. In children, the level of this substance in the blood does not change after eating until puberty.
If insulin levels are significantly higher than normal over a long period of time, it can become a health time bomb. Will develop over time concomitant diseases internal organs or entire vital systems of the body, and these processes will not be reversible. A high level of the hormone in the blood indicates that the pancreas produces a lot of insulin, but due to some failures it is not able to perform its functions. The reasons for this disorder can be different: stress, heavy physical activity, pancreatic disease, diabetes.
At elevated level insulin, a person develops the following symptoms: thirst, itching of the skin and mucous membranes, lethargy, weakness, fatigue, frequent urination, a good appetite with actual weight loss and poor healing wounds on the skin.
If the concentration of the hormone in the blood is below normal, this indicates that the body is tired from prolonged physical activity or the person has type I diabetes. Insulin in this type of diabetes is low. Symptoms of a small amount of the hormone may be the same as with high insulin, however, they are added: trembling, palpitations, pallor, restlessness, irritability, fainting, sweating and sudden strong feeling hunger.
Analysis of the content of this useful substance in the blood is necessary to assess the functioning of the pancreas. Any malfunction in its functioning leads to an increase or decrease in the level of the hormone in the bloodstream. To determine it in the laboratory, two types of analysis are popular. The first is blood sampling on an empty stomach (more than 8 hours must have passed since the last meal). The second is an oral glucose tolerance test. The patient drinks on an empty stomach a solution of 75 g of glucose dissolved in 250-300 ml of water, and after 2 hours his blood is taken for analysis and the sugar level is measured. After which a conclusion is made about the amount of insulin in the bloodstream.
The most accurate picture of a person’s condition can be obtained by combining these two studies: in the morning, blood is donated on an empty stomach, after which a glucose solution is drunk, and a repeat test is performed two hours later. The results of both of these studies give comprehensive information about the work of the pancreas. Before conducting such extensive testing, it is advisable to follow a diet for three days.
You can measure the sugar level in the body at home, but this requires a glucometer. This is a special device for determining the amount of glucose in the blood; you can purchase it at a pharmacy or medical equipment store. To get the most accurate results, you need to adhere to the following rules:
- measurements are taken on an empty stomach;
- Before using the glucometer, you must carefully read the instructions; if anything is not clear, seek clarification from a specialist;
- You should wash your hands thoroughly - this is necessary not only for disinfection, but also to improve blood flow;
- It is better to take blood from the pads of three fingers: the middle, ring and little fingers;
- to decrease painful sensations, it is recommended to make the puncture not in the center of the pad, but slightly to the side. If you have to measure sugar constantly, the puncture site needs to be changed, this will help avoid inflammation or thickening of the skin;
- Wipe off the first drop of blood with a dry cotton swab, and place the next drop on the test strip;
- insert the strip into the glucometer and you will see the test result on the display.
Based on the measurement data, it is already possible to draw a conclusion about the level of insulin in the blood.
How can you lower your insulin levels?
An excess of this substance in the blood leads to disorders and a number of diseases of the body that are difficult to cure. To avoid negative consequences, the hormone level must be lowered in time. Here's what you need to do to do this:
- You should consciously reduce the number of meals to 2-3 times a day. If you eat twice a day (skip lunch), then the break between breakfast and dinner will be approximately 10-12 hours. Of these, 4 hours will be required for the digestion process and 8 hours for the liver to complete the detoxification of waste products.
- If possible, try not eating at all for one day a week. This will reduce the amount of pancreatic hormone, as a result of which the body will obtain the necessary energy for work from fat accumulations. As a result, the person will lose a little weight, feel better and lighter. Intermittent fasting In addition, it triggers genetic mechanisms aimed at cell restoration. This peculiar adaptation is designed to prolong the performance of all organs during hunger. It is noticed that such physiological mechanism prevents the development of cancer. Tumor cells They do not tolerate the lack of food well, so fasting is in fact the prevention of cancer.
- Pay attention to the insulin index (AI) of the product. This index differs from the glycemic index (GI) in that the GI shows how much glucose is contained in this product, and AI means the amount of insulin released when this product is eaten. The glycemic and insulin index are not always interrelated. For example, milk has an AI 2 times higher than GI. So there are foods that themselves have a high AI, regardless of the fact that their GI is low. Adjust your diet based on this information.
- Exercise approximately 3-4 times a week for 1.5 hours a day will help increase sensitivity to the hormone. And should be shared power training from aerobic.
- It is advisable that the diet be dominated by foods with a large amount of fiber. But it’s better to limit your carbohydrate intake.
- The level of this substance is measured on an empty stomach.
For the proper functioning of our body, it is necessary to maintain normal level insulin in the blood. Any permanent deviation from the norm can lead to severe consequences. Therefore, it is so important to control the amount of the hormone. A little physical activity correct mode nutrition and correction of insulin levels will help prolong life and avoid many diseases.
It is important to know:
Insulin is a protein hormone, which is synthesized by pancreatic cells. His biological function consists in saturating cells and tissues nutrients, in particular glucose. Its production is directly proportional to the level of sugar in the blood, and when acute failure we can talk about the presence of diabetes mellitus. What is the established norm of insulin in the blood, what does it depend on and how to take the test, we will consider further.
Insulin, which stabilizes sugar levels and facilitating its splitting, transport and digestibility, are examined using laboratory tests.
To do this, you will need to donate blood from a vein, since capillary blood is less rich in particles. Before taking the analysis you will need special training, which involves abstinence from food for 12-14 hours before blood sampling, physical and emotional rest.
When bad sleep, stress or physical activity, the data obtained may differ radically from the actual ones.Why is it important to know your insulin levels?
The importance of the study lies in the functions of this hormone. Since it is used to control, distribute and accumulate glucose, the numerical indicator can give an idea of the work of such organs and systems:
- functioning of the pancreas;
- liver performance;
- susceptibility of body tissues to glucose;
- carbohydrate metabolism and metabolic processes in the body as a whole.
The reason for the analysis is constant drowsiness, a lack of vitality
, apathy and dry mouth.
Lack of insulin, leading to the development of type 1 diabetes, requires immediate monitoring and diagnosis.
A person will need artificial administration of this hormone until the pancreas recovers.
Ask your question to a clinical laboratory diagnostics doctor
Anna Poniaeva. Graduated from Nizhny Novgorod medical academy(2007-2014) and Residency in Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (2014-2016).
If the latter is not possible, then lifelong insulin administration is the only way for a patient with diabetes to live a full life.
Judge the presence or absence of problems with carbohydrate metabolism is possible only when insulin levels are compared with blood sugar levels, studied in various ways.What influences the result?
Highlight four important factors , which can lead to a false result:
- Eating immediately before blood sampling - insulin synthesis automatically increases when food enters the body. Accordingly, the blood after hearty breakfast will be oversaturated with sugars and insulin, which strives to normalize carbohydrate metabolism.
- Eating fatty, sweet, spicy dishes the day before, as well as strong alcoholic drinks - holiday feasts provoke overeating, which in turn leads to increased load on the liver and pancreas, causing these organs to malfunction.
- Stress and intense physical activity - insulin release increases when the body experiences stress, so you should rest well and get enough sleep the night before.
- Errors on the part of the laboratory when blood is not examined immediately, but after certain time. It has been found that the results obtained are more accurate if fresh blood is used for the study. 15 minutes after collection, its chemical parameters, even under the influence of anticoagulants, sharply decrease and it ceases to be “alive.”
Normal indicators
Blood insulin level depends on such indicators:
- age;
- time of blood sampling (hormone synthesis changes throughout the day);
- Availability hormonal changes(during puberty, pregnancy, menopause);
- blood on an empty stomach or some time after eating;
- taking hormonal drugs.
Fasting norms
Indicators for children will be slightly different, taking into account the type of food:
- newborns and children of the first year of life – 3-15 µU/ml;
- children preschool age– 4-16 µU/ml;
- children 7-12 years old – 3-18 µU/ml.
During puberty, when hormonal system changes somewhat bottom line rises slightly to 5 µU/ml.
The level of insulin in the blood of men ranges from 3 to 23 µU/ml, and at the age of 25-45 years the indicators practically do not change. After 50 years, when physical activity decreases and nutrition leaves much to be desired, the normal limits are 6-30 µU/ml.
The level of insulin in the blood of women on an empty stomach differs by age:
- 25-35 years – 3-20 µU/ml;
- 35-45 years – 3-26 µU/ml;
- 45-65 years – 8-34 µU/ml.
In the event that a woman accepts hormonal drugs , in particular oral contraceptives, it is necessary to inform the laboratory assistant about this, after which a certain note is made in the transcript, since the insulin level may be elevated, but not be a pathology.
Norms after meals
The maximum concentration of insulin in the blood, as well as sugar, is observed 1.5-2 hours after eating. Study this indicator allows you to assess how well the pancreas copes with hormone synthesis. The conclusion is made not only by the concentration of insulin, but also by the level of sugar. These two indicators change in direct proportion, as they depend on each other.
In childhood, the maximum permissible value after meals is 19 µU/ml. For women, normal values after meals are 26-28 µU/ml. For men, the average remains the same as for women.
In pregnant women and the elderly, maximum insulin levels are allowed, which are 28-35 µU/ml.To get the most accurate result, analysis is usually carried out in three stages:
- On an empty stomach in the first hours after waking up.
- After eating, 1.5-2 hours.
- Another 1.5 hours after the last blood draw.
Norms for conceiving a child
It is no secret that in the presence of diabetes and obesity extremely difficult to conceive a child. This happens because the body is in constant stress and realistically assesses the chances of procreation. The primary task of the body is to maintain vital important functions, so pregnancy extra pounds in 90% of all cases it does not occur.
To conceive healthy child, both parents should have insulin levels in the range of 3-25 µU/ml.
A lack or excess of the hormone will become an obstacle to happy motherhood.Insulin resistance index
Insulin resistance is an indicator indicating a violation of the body's response to produced or artificially administered insulin. The Insulin Resistance Index helps assess how tolerant the body is to insulin. To calculate it, it is necessary to administer 0.1 units of insulin per 1 kg of the patient’s weight intravenously, and then monitor blood sugar levels every 10 minutes for an hour. For these purposes, portable glucometers are used to obtain exact result as quickly as possible.
Deviations from the norm
Deviations are any values obtained that are outside the recommended values.
Deviations can be upward or downward.Short
Lack of insulin, which is fixed at levels below 3 µU/ml, provokes a rapid increase in blood sugar, which occurs due to the impossibility of its penetration into cells and tissues. The body experiences acute shortage glucose, as indicated by symptoms such as:
- severe thirst and bouts of incessant hunger;
- frequent urge to urinate;
- increased sweating;
- dry skin;
- constant drowsiness and decreased activity;
- memory problems and attacks of aggression.
The vessels of the brain are primarily affected. The reasons for the lack of this hormone can be both long-term diets and progression autoimmune diseases, in particular diabetes mellitus.
Sometimes it happens that a person rapidly loses or gains weight, there are all the signs of diabetes, but the results of glucose testing remain within normal limits. In this case, an insulin resistance and glucose tolerance test will be required. These two studies will show how well the body processes glucose and will also indicate possible causes.
In this case it is necessary full diagnostics which includes research endocrine in nature, as well as ultrasound of the abdominal organs.
High
Values considered elevated are which tend to 25-30 µU/ml. If this indicator reaches 45 units, then the person needs immediate help.
Reasons this phenomenon Pathologies of the pancreas occur, in which the organ begins to uncontrollably synthesize the hormone.External clinical manifestations high insulin levels are:
- attacks of nausea accompanying hunger;
- cold sweat;
- tachycardia;
- fainting state.
The causes of poor health can be diseases such as:
- Insulinoma is a tumor in the pancreas that disrupts the functioning of the entire organ.
- Poor nutrition, which leads to the development of type 2 diabetes.
- Autoimmune disorders.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome and hormonal disorders.
There is also a high risk of developing hypertension, obesity and cancer, which once again emphasizes the importance of controlling the level of this hormone.
High insulin with normal sugar indicates that there are neoplasms in the body, mainly in the pancreas, or there are problems with work endocrine system in general, when many hormones do not work correctly.
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Prevention of normal levels
The production of the hormone directly depends on the performance of the endocrine system and the pancreas in particular.
As a preventive measure normal values Recommendations such as:
- Avoid alcohol and other harmful products, placing increased stress on the pancreas and liver.
- Adjust your diet by making it smaller and less caloric.
- News active image life, paying attention to sports.
If they are elevated, then insulin levels should be identified. If there is weakness, drowsiness, increased fat mass in the abdominal area, or thirst, the study should be carried out unscheduled. High performance insulin, as well as low levels, are extremely dangerous for the body and indicate the presence of abnormalities. The maximum concentration is observed 2 hours after eating, after which the values return to normal. Only self-control and timely examination will avoid many problems and negative health consequences.
