The Connection Between Elevated Insulin and Cancer Risk

Growing research has shown that higher blood insulin can result in increased cancer risk.

Because insulin is a growth factor, high insulin levels trigger rapid cell division and can cause cells to lose control of their DNA regulator genes leading to increased potential for tumor progression and cancer metastases.

High levels of insulin are now recognized as important contributors to the development and progression of many kinds of cancer.

The risk of developing the most common form of breast cancer by consuming a diet rich in readily digested sugars and carbohydrates increases by 36% to 41%.

A consistent finding across a broad spectrum of common malignancies reveals that higher blood insulin results in increased cancer risk.

For example, prostate cancer incidence is 2.55-fold greater in men with the highest blood insulin levels.

Elevated insulin levels have been associated with an increased cancer risk as well as with aggressive and metastatic cancer types characterized by a poor prognosis

Dangerously Elevated Insulin Levels

Contents

1 Recommended Labs to Have Your Doctor Order
2 Elevated Insulin and Common Human Cancers
3
4 How to Reduce Insulin Levels
- 4.1 Mediterranean Diet Made Easy https://www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/mediterranean-diet1.pdf
- 4.2 The Importance of Understanding the Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load
  - 4.2.1 Glycemic load Levels GL values range from 0 to 100 and can be classified as follows:
  - 4.2.2 Glycemic Index Chart: Glycemic index and glycemic load ratings for 500+ foods
5
6 Metabolic Typing is the Next and Established Level of Nutritional Science That Plays a Significant Role in Glucose/Insulin Balance
7 The Recommended Glucose Monitor
- 7.1 References:

Recommended Labs to Have Your Doctor Order

Fasting Insulin–004333–Optimal-2.0-5.0
Hemoglobin A1c–001453–Optimal-4.5.-5.2

Elevated Insulin and Common Human Cancers

Insulin levels have been implicated in at least seven of the most common human malignancies.

1: Colon Cancer

A study found that insulin levels raise the risk of having precancerous growths called adenomas by 17% to 42%, with higher risk associated with higher levels.

2: Gastric (stomach) Cancer

Gastric (stomach) cancer risk is 69% higher for people with blood insulin levels in the middle third, compared with those in the bottom third of results, and 101% higher in those with the top one-third of insulin levels.

3: Breast Cancer

Women with higher insulin levels are at a 2- to 3-fold increased risk for breast cancer, compared to those with lower levels.

4: Endometrial (uterine lining) Cancer

Risk increases with higher insulin levels almost 10-fold for early premalignant changes in endometrial cells, 8.5-fold for later premalignant changes, 18-fold for true precancerous lesions, and a shocking 45-fold for type I endometrial cancer.

Elevated serum insulin levels are also associated with increased risk for ovarian cancer.

5: Prostate Cancer

Men with the highest blood insulin levels in one study showed a 2.55-fold increased risk of prostate malignancy compared with those having the lowest levels.

And men with the highest level of insulin had a 5.62-fold increase in the risk of having locally advanced tumors than those with lower levels, while the most insulin-resistant subjects’ risk of advanced cancer was more than 3-fold increased.

6: Liver Cancer

Those with the highest insulin levels have an approximate 2.4-fold increase in the risk of developing liver cancer.

7: Brain Cancer

Studies suggests that glioblastomas are sensitive to the mitogenic functions of insulin, thus significant insulin exposure imposes risks to glioblastoma patients. Of special interest, dual inhibition of insulin receptor and IGF1R exhibits promise for treating glioblastoma.

How to Reduce Insulin Levels

1: Eat a low glycemic plant based/Mediterranean Diet + Identifying Your Metabolic Typing for Optimal Glucose Control

Mediterranean Diet Made Easy
https://www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/mediterranean-diet1.pdf

The Importance of Understanding the Glycemic Index and Glycemic Load

The Glycemic Index (GI) and Glycemic Load (GL) are complementary measures used to understand a food’s impact on blood sugar levels, but they differ in their approach.

High glycemic index foods are those that cause a rapid increase in blood sugar levels. Eating these types of food can be beneficial for athletes or people who need quick energy, but it is important to understand the full health effects and how best to manage them.

A high glycemic index foods chart can help you identify which foods have a higher GI value, allowing you to make informed decisions when shopping for groceries or planning meals.

The Glycemic Index (GI) ranks carbohydrates on a scale based on their effect on your blood glucose level after consumption. Foods with a GI value between 70-100 are considered high-GI; anything below 55 is low-GI and should be favoured if possible. High GI carbs will break down quickly during digestion, causing an immediate spike in your bloodstream sugar levels followed by an eventual crash afterwards as insulin works overtime trying to regulate it back into balance again.

Glycemic load is a measure of how a given food impacts blood sugar levels, and it is closely related to another concept, glycemic index (GI). The GI is a measure of how quickly a given food is converted into glucose, and is expressed on a scale of 1 to 100 (with 100 being the most rapid conversion). GL takes this one step further, taking into account not only the speed of glucose conversion, but also the amount of carbohydrates contained in a given food.

Glycemic load Levels
GL values range from 0 to 100 and can be classified as follows:

Low GL: 0 – 10

Moderate GL: 11-19

High GL: 20+

Generally speaking, low GL foods are more beneficial for those looking to keep their blood sugar levels in check.

Glycemic Index Chart: Glycemic index and glycemic load ratings for 500+ foods

https://glycemic-index.net/glycemic-index-chart/

https://www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com/glycemic-index-load.pdf

Metabolic Typing is the Next and Established Level of Nutritional Science That Plays a Significant Role in Glucose/Insulin Balance

Metabolic typing is an extremely logical methodology that provides what has long been desperately needed: a systematic, testable, repeatable, verifiably means for each of us to find an answer to the question “What diet or nutritional protocol is right for me?” based on your genetically determined metabolic needs.

** The primary objective for identifying your metabolic typing is to have a clear and personalized understanding of your carbohydrate tolerance.

This is critical to discover.

There are those who have a high ability to tolerate increased carbohydrates without having a detrimental impact on their glucose and insulin.

On the other hand there are those who simply MUST have a eating plan that DOES NOT spike the glucose and insulin.

Remember there is NO universal diet that across the board has the SAME impact on glucose and insulin.

The ideal diet that accomplishes the above MUST be personalized based on your genetics and biochemistry.

That is the beauty of knowing your Metabolic Typing.

** A full explanation on Metabolic Typing will soon be explained in a soon to be released article in early 2025.

2: Prioritize physical activity

Research has shown that exercise training can reduce fasting insulin levels and insulin resistance in adults with and without type 2 diabetes.

3: Try adding cinnamon to foods and beverages

Recent studies suggest that both individuals living with insulin resistance and those with relatively normal insulin levels who supplement with cinnamon may experience enhanced insulin sensitivity and decreased insulin levels.

4: Try adding Apple cider vinegar (ACV) to your daily diet

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) may help prevent insulin and blood sugar spikes after eating, particularly when consumed with high carbohydrate foods.

One review found that consuming 2–6 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar (ACV) daily appears to improve glycemic response to carbohydrate-rich meals.

5: Consider intermittent fasting

Research also suggests intermittent fasting may help reduce insulin levels as effectively as or more effectively than daily calorie restriction.

6: Increase soluble fiber intake

Soluble fiber provides a number of health benefits, including aiding in weight loss and reducing blood sugar levels.

7: Eat more fatty fish

Studies have shown that the omega-3s in fatty fish like wild salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring, and anchovies. may also help reduce insulin resistance.

8: Reduce stress

Stress encourages the body to go into “fight-or-flight” mode, which stimulates the production of stress hormones that break down glycogen, a form of stored sugar, into glucose.

Ongoing stress keeps your stress hormone levels high increasing blood sugar reducing insulin sensitivity.

9: Lose a few pounds

Excess weight, especially belly fat, reduces insulin sensitivity and increases the risk of type 2 diabetes by making hormones that promote insulin resistance in the muscles and liver

10: Vetted Supplements Found to Effectively Lower Insulin

IMPORTANT: Remember Supplements DO NOT SUBSTITUTE a Less Than Optimal Diet

Several nutrients have emerged showing promise in reducing insulin levels and/or increasing insulin sensitivity, which lowers glucose and insulin blood levels.

Resveratrol

Resveratrol treatment greatly improved glucose metabolism, insulin tolerance, and insulin metabolism compared to placebo with a 47% reduction in fasting insulin.

Omega-3

Numerous studies show a positive impact on reversing insulin resistance with a 34% reduction in fasting insulin.

Green tea

A meta-analysis suggested that green tea had favorable effects on decreasing fasting glucose and Hb A1c concentrations. One study showed a significant reduction with a 22% reduction in fasting insulin.

Ginseng

Some studies suggest that ginseng (Korean) is likely to have beneficial effects on the amelioration of insulin resistance and the prevention of Type 2 Diabetes with a 13% reduction in fasting insulin.

Berberine

Berberine can increase insulin sensitivity, reduce insulin dosage, while helping to reduce fat and control body weight.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency has been shown to affect insulin secretion in both humans and animal models. Accumulating evidence suggests the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. Supplementations of vitamin D may provide for suitable management and act to ameliorate insulin resistance.

Magnesium

Those individuals with the highest magnesium intake had the lowest insulin. Individuals with the lowest magnesium intake had the highest fasting insulin levels. Magnesium supplementation has a positive effect on insulin receptor activity and insulin sensitivity in type 2 diabetes.

Alpha-Lipoic Acid

Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) is a natural compound with antioxidant and pro-oxidant properties which has effects on the regulation of insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion.

Chromium

Chromium is an essential mineral. It has beneficial role in the regulation of insulin action and its effects on carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism. Chromium is an important factor for enhancing insulin activity. Studies show that people with type 2 diabetes have lower blood levels of chromium than those without the disease.

Gymnema Sylvestre

Gymnema’s role in insulin secretion and cell regeneration may also contribute to its blood-sugar-lowering capabilities.

Gymnema sylvestre may stimulate insulin production in your pancreas, promoting the regeneration of insulin-producing islet cells. This can help lower your blood sugar levels.

The Recommended Glucose Monitor

I recommend if in the event your insulin and Hemoglobin a1c are outside the optimal range that you consider monitoring your glucose response to the food you eat.

I recommend using a glucose monitor. The one I recommend and does not require a prescription is called The Stelo Glucose Biosensor System (https://www.stelo.com)

The Connection Between Elevated Insulin and Cancer and How to Effectively Lower It

The Stelo Glucose Biosensor System is an over-the-counter (OTC) integrated Continuous Glucose Monitor (iCGM) intended to continuously measure, record, analyze, and display glucose values.

The Stelo Glucose Biosensor System helps to detect normal low or high glucose levels.

The Stelo Glucose Biosensor System may also help the user better understand how lifestyle and behavior modification, including diet and exercise, impact glucose excursion.

——–

References:

Compliments from Functional Medicine University and
have it linked back to www.FunctionalMedicineUniversity.com

Dr. Morningstar

Dr. Morningstar graduated in 2002 from Palmer College in Davenport. He then moved to Grand Blanc, MI and opened his first clinic, the Grand Blanc Spine Center. A year later, he opened his second clinic, the Anchor Bay Spine Center, in New Baltimore, MI. Both of these clinics have now become the Natural Wellness & Pain Relief Centers of Michigan, one of the first multidisciplinary clinics offering comprehensive chiropractic, traditional medicine, pain management, acupuncture, anti-aging medicine, and functional medicine services in Michigan. There he serves as the Director of Chiropractic Services. Dr. Morningstar provides comprehensive chiropractic rehabilitation and functional medicine strategies for complex spine and neurological disorders such as Scoliosis, ADHD, and Fibromyalgia/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

See Full Bio