High insulin levels, also known as hyperinsulinemia, can lead to different outcomes depending on whether or not a person has insulin resistance.
Understanding Insulin's Role
Insulin is a hormone that helps glucose from the blood enter cells, providing them with energy. When blood sugar levels rise, the pancreas releases insulin to facilitate this process.
Scenarios with High Insulin
Here's what can happen when insulin levels are elevated:
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In individuals with Insulin Resistance: The body becomes less responsive to insulin's effects, requiring the pancreas to produce even more insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. This state is called hyperinsulinemia. This is an early stage of type 2 diabetes.
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In individuals without Insulin Resistance: According to the provided reference, if a person has excess insulin in their body and doesn't have insulin resistance, it would cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Hypoglycemia Explained
Hypoglycemia occurs when there's too much insulin relative to the amount of glucose in the blood. This leads to:
- Rapid glucose uptake by cells.
- Reduced blood sugar levels.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include:
- Shakiness
- Sweating
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Blurred vision
- If severe, it can lead to seizures or loss of consciousness.
