Elevated insulin levels trigger more aggressive and metastatic cancers

by: | July 23, 2016
Elevated insulin levels trigger more aggressive and metastatic cancers
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(NaturalHealth365) Elevated insulin and diabetes are more common than ever in the United States. In fact, according to 2012 data, over 29 million Americans – nearly 10 percent of the population – are afflicted with diabetes.

Prediabetes symptoms including elevated insulin levels affected a staggering 86 million Americans in 2012, and this number is higher today.  On top of that, research is finding another issue related to high blood sugar: an increased risk of cancer, including the most aggressive and metastatic forms.

How too much sugar triggers negative health effects in the body

Insulin is a necessary hormone for human health. Its job is to remove glucose (sugar) from the blood and store it within the cells. Glucose can then be converted into energy, but any excess is stored as fat.

High insulin levels trigger excess fat storage. More fat stored in the body means more cytokines are produced, which then generate inflammation in the body. Inflammation is one of the hallmarks and precursors to cancer. Excess insulin also contributes to metabolic syndrome and a higher risk of degenerative diseases.

Research finds most cancers spread with high sugar and insulin levels

Science is now showing that elevated blood sugar contributes to an increased risk of some of the most aggressive forms of cancer. For example, the most common kind of breast cancer is increased by up to 41 percent in those who consume a high sugar, high carbohydrate diet – the typical American diet.

A study of mice with colon cancer illustrates the point. In the study, half of the mice were fed a high-calorie diet, and half a normal diet. In the high-calorie group, tumors were found to grow twice as large as the normal diet group in only 17 days.

Research with humans has confirmed the role of insulin in cancer growth.  And, likewise, many of the most common forms of cancer are increased by higher blood glucose levels; for instance, prostate cancer is over 2.5 times higher in men with high blood insulin levels. The risk of stomach, colorectal, liver, and reproductive cancers is also increased by a diet that is high in carbohydrates and sugars.

What created this epidemic rate of elevated insulin levels?

The typical unhealthy American diet is largely to blame. Processed foods made with refined carbohydrates and simple sugars are the leading cause of the diabetes and obesity epidemic in America. Over half of Americans are now overweight, and 30 percent are obese. These issues are leading to prediabetes, diabetes, cancer, and many other degenerative conditions.

Taking natural supplements can help to reduce and regulate blood insulin levels. Some of the best nutritional supplements include fish oil, alpha lipoic acid, resveratrol and green tea extract.  However, to reduce the effects of elevated blood glucose and insulin levels, dietary changes are crucial. Avoiding sugars and carbohydrates in favor of lots of organic vegetables and clean protein is a step in the right direction.

And, of course, if you’re suffering with diabetes or any other serious health problem – always work with a qualified medical professional that you can trust.

References:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4416953

https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/insulin-levels-linked-to-mets-prognosis

https://www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2016/6/The-Insulin-Cancer-Connection/Page-01

https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes-basics/statistics

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