You've probably heard of the hormone insulin. This name comes up a lot, especially when talking about diabetes. But have you ever heard of the hormone insulin-like growth factor-1, or IGF-1 for short? It's a hormone that's also related to insulin, and it works just like insulin. Today, let's talk about what IGF-1 is and how it's related to diabetes.
Simply put, what is IGF-1?
`Insulin-like Growth Factor-1` or `IGF-1` is a very important hormone produced by our liver. One of its main functions is to signal our bones and muscles to "grow properly." That means it is indispensable for our body's growth.
This hormone is very similar to insulin. It also affects the way our cells use the sugar, or glucose, in our blood. So now you can see that there is a big connection between the two.
The relationship with Type 2 Diabetes
First, let's remember how diabetes develops. The hormone insulin helps the glucose we get from the food we eat enter our cells and make energy. Think of it like insulin is like a key, a cell is like a room, and the door of the cell is the lock. So, when this key (insulin) is inserted and the lock is opened, glucose can enter the cell.
But sometimes our body doesn't respond to this insulin properly. We call it insulin resistance . It's like a rusty lock that can't be turned by the key. Then our pancreas tries to make more insulin to do the job. But at some point, it can't do it either. The result is that glucose can't get into the cells and builds up in the blood. Eventually, this condition becomes Type 2 Diabetes .
Now this is where `IGF-1` comes in. Research has found that people with low `IGF-1` levels are at a higher risk of developing a cluster of conditions called `Metabolic Syndrome`.
Metabolic Syndrome is not a single disease. It is a combination of several health problems, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and abdominal fat. When all of these things come together, they greatly increase the risk of developing heart disease and diabetes.
This means that if your IGF-1 levels are low, you are more likely to develop other problems that can lead to diabetes.
So can IGF-1 treat diabetes?
This is the question that researchers are trying to answer these days. One clue to this is a drug called `mecasermin (Increlex).` This is a synthetic, that is, lab-made `IGF-1` hormone. Doctors use this drug to treat young children who are not growing properly.
But one of the side effects of this drug is a decrease in blood sugar levels, that is, the occurrence of a condition called `Hypoglycemia`. This caught the attention of researchers. In later studies, when adults with type 2 diabetes were given this `IGF-1`, they also saw that their blood sugar levels decreased. In addition, their insulin resistance improved significantly.
But... this is still in the research stage. Because IGF-1 is a hormone that does so many things in the body, there's still a lot to learn about how it works. At this point, IGF-1 is only approved for growth problems in children. It's not yet approved as a treatment for diabetes.
Let's also be aware of dangerous side effects.
`IGF-1` is not something to play with. It can cause serious side effects. It is very important to be aware of this.
| Side effect | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Swelling in the Retina | The retina is the layer inside the eye that sends what we see to the brain. This swelling can cause serious damage to vision. |
| Severe muscle and joint pain | There may be unbearable pain in the muscles and joints of the body. |
| Bell's Palsy | This is when one side of the face suddenly becomes weak and droops down, looking like a stroke. |
| Cancer risk | (Very important) IGF-1 has been found to be associated with the development of breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancers. |
The truth about supplements
This is a topic that is important to many people. Some bodybuilders and athletes use IGF-1 supplements, either over-the-counter or prescription, to bulk up their bodies and increase their strength.
But remember, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has banned all forms of the hormone IGF-1, including supplements.
WADA says that even the `IGF-1` prescribed by a doctor can cause permanent damage to your joints, liver, and heart if used incorrectly. So what about supplements sold without any regulation? None of us know what they actually contain.
Others use them for anti-aging or general health benefits. It is true that as we age, our bodies produce less IGF-1. However, there is no scientific evidence that taking IGF-1 supplements will help you stay young.
This idea comes from research on the diabetes drug metformin. In those studies, worms and mice lived longer when given metformin. But it's not yet known how it would affect humans.
So, if you are thinking of taking an `IGF-1` supplement, please don't even think about it. Be sure to talk to your doctor before doing so. Injecting such powerful substances into your body without a doctor's advice can cause unimaginable harm.
Take-Home Message
- `IGF-1` is a natural hormone similar to insulin that is essential for our body's growth.
- Low levels of IGF-1 in the body are linked to the condition Metabolic Syndrome, which increases the risk of diabetes and heart disease.
- Although there is research into using IGF-1 as a treatment for diabetes, it is not yet an approved treatment.
- This hormone can cause serious side effects such as vision damage, joint pain, and cancer risk.
- The use of `IGF-1` supplements on the market is very dangerous. They are also included in the World Anti-Doping Agency's list.
- Always consult your doctor before using any supplement or medication.
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