IGF stands for insulin-like growth factor. It is a hormone that your body makes naturally and it comes mainly from the liver, acting as much like insulin to regulate sugar levels in our bloodstreams. In addition to regulating blood glucose levels, IGF also works with other hormones such as thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) or somatostatin – which can mean trouble if you’re diagnosed with diabetes mellitus type 1!
The human body needs growth hormones to keep the bones and tissues strong. IGF helps with this by working together in a way that inhibits your blood sugar levels from rising too quickly, thanks to its ability to control GH secretion within the pituitary gland. Together, these two hormones can do wonders for glucose metabolism while also helping you grow healthy bone tissue or muscle cells as needed!
Is There a Connection Between Diabetes and IGF?
If you have diabetes, it means that the insulin level in your body is under the average. Your cells won’t get the energy they need to function properly without a steady supply of this hormone and glucose can build up in your blood instead of flowing into cell membranes where it belongs.
With type 1 diabetes, the growth hormone levels in people with diabetes are up to three times higher than those who do not have this illness. Low levels of IGF may be linked to the increased secretion of these hormones as well.
Researchers speculate that the same hormones, insulin and IGF in particular, are associated with obesity as well as type 2 diabetes. It may be possible for these substances to play a part in other complications of diabetes such as cancer risk.
Can IGF be Used To Treat Diabetes?
Mecasermin (Increlex) is an artificial version of IGF-1. It’s a prescription medication doctors use to treat growth failure in children because their bodies lack the necessary hormone, it can lead to stunted physical development and delayed puberty. One side effect that some people experience on Increlex is hypoglycemia which means they have low blood glucose levels.
According to recent studies, treatment with IGF may help control diabetes. Although it hasn’t been developed for this purpose due to side effects, including:
- swelling of the optic nerve (leading visual problems)
- retinopathy (damages retina and can lead blindness)
- muscle pain or joint pain in some cases
IGF Supplements
IGF supplements contain growth hormones. Companies promote these kinds of supplements for anti-aging, energy, and improving the immune system, among other claims. It is important to know that not all products with these ingredients are legitimate!
The US Anti-Doping Agency warns that some may be diluted or have additional substances inside of it; there’s also a risk people could misuse or abuse this hormone if they take more than prescribed by their doctor.
IGF-1 is a type of growth hormone that can cause your blood glucose levels to drop. If you have diabetes, or even if you don’t, it’s important to consult with your doctor before taking any supplements containing this chemical.
