Hyperinsulinism - HOW TO FIND OUT IF YOU ARE..

If you feel that you fit the description of a Hyperinsulinaemic (see Symptoms), I strongly advise you to see your local GP. Sounds obvious I suppose but on visiting your Doctor don't be surprised if they can not tell you much about it (most Doctors are aware that Hyperinsulinism exists but are sceptical in diagnosing it due to the lack of research).

** Unfortunately (particularly in the Adelaide community) there are many sceptics in the medical world who have their own theories on what is wrong with you (like my first allegist who told me that I was suffering from carbohydrate overload and that high insulin had no side effects!!). I'm not saying that they are probably wrong but hey, the results speak for themselves.. **

The thing to ask for from your Doctor is something called a 'glucose tolerance test'. Now, it's a harmless enough test involving the drinking of a sugary solution and the taking of a small amount of blood over a period of a few hours but, suffice to say, after this baby there was NO doubt in my mind what I had. The results were as I feared. My sugar levels did not rise one inch, however, my insulin levels rose to 4 times what it should have AND remained at the same high level for 3 hours before dropping! (usually it rises soon after sugar consumption then drops back down substancially after 1 hour). So, Hyperinsulinaemic I became.

If your Doctor is a supporter of the 'Insulin Resistant' Theory they might suggest an appropriate course of action. I went along to a Dietition who put me on the right path to a new and much better lifestyle - with some awesome recipies to boot (I'll share them with you when I can remember what I did with them.. mmm....)

Hyperinsulinism can be either GENETIC (seeSymptoms) OR alternatively can be developed by continuous consumption of a diet high in carbohydrates. That means that although many people are unfortunate enough to have inherited the metabolic disorder, some people actually can damage the appropriate insulin-responsive cells that the body needs to determine the amount of insulin released on their own. So, for some there's no need to check your family-members' relative situation. Although there are some additional problems with genetically obtained Hyperinsulinism (I will outline this in a future episode.. :-) )

For some information on appropriate course of action ie, Maintenance of the condition please click here. ..I have outlined the easy way of living life as a Hyperinsulinaemic (and I tell you, it's the easiest way I've every had to resort to to stay on top of things.. and believe me, I've been on some shockers!! - Ever heard of the 'no natural chemicals' diet?? ...aaggghhh...)..

OR, alternatively, please click here to read about common misconceptions and prejudices encountered being Hyperinsulinaemic.

If you want to find out more on top of this, please check out Dr. Alan Gale's web-site. It is very informative if you can understand the medical jargon :-)

* * * Stay tuned * * *
In the near future I will be outlining my person experiences with Hyperinsulinaemia.. - nothing too heavy (I hope) but detailing the before and after. Also included, the little tips I've picked up along the way...

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