By now you probably know that having diabetes significantly raises your risk of Breast Cancer [1] But did you know that insulin resistance, or metabolic syndrome, may not only put you at risk for Type 2 diabetes [1] but for Breast Cancer as well?
The Direct Connection Between Insulin Resistance and Breast Cancer
Insulin resistance happens when the body can still respond to insulin made in the body, but it does not respond properly. The result is blood sugar levels that steadily creep up. This effect alone is enough to raise a person’s risk of Breast Cancer.
In fact, a 2012 report [2] published in the journal Experimental Diabetes Research found that individuals with insulin resistance had a higher risk of Breast Cancer. The connection had to do with a domino effect of mechanisms, each a risk factor for cancer.
When I was on my second healing journey with breast cancer, discovering that I was insulin resistant was a game-changer for me! I learned to adjust my eating habits in order to reverse that tendency.
First, insulin resistance corresponds to a higher level of IGF-1, or insulin-like growth factor [3]. The overabundance of both insulin and IGF-I over time, in turn, can lead to the overstimulation of aggressive forms of reproductive hormones.
Secondly, insulin resistance, or metabolic syndrome, is linked to increased production of ROS, or reactive oxygen species [4], which then leads to damaged DNA and carcinogenic activity.
Finally, insulin resistance is linked to inflammation [5], which itself is a factor in the development of almost every chronic disease.
Things You Can Do NOW to Balance Insulin Levels and Prevent Breast Cancer
#1 Check for signs and get some tests.
If you are concerned about insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, there are some real-time indications [6] to look out for such as insatiable hunger or thirst, and increased urination and fatigue.
Once you have assessed noticeable symptoms, getting the right tests is the next step. Some tests to consider include: blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels, C-Reactive protein, IGF-1, and vitamin D [7]. Be sure to consult with a qualified professional to discuss the results.
#2 Eat a whole-foods, low-sugar diet.
Probably the most important step you can take to prevent both insulin resistance and cancer is to cut your sugar intake. Sugar’s effect on insulin levels should be a given [8]; its effect on cancer, maybe not be so much so. Remember that cancer cells have many times more cellular receptor sites [9] for insulin than healthy cells do.
Also, be mindful of simple carbs and high-fructose fruits since these can convert quickly into glucose in the body which can create insulin spikes. Instead, switch to a diet that supports healing. This includes lots of organic green vegetables, healthy sources of proteins, raw sprouted nuts, and lots of sources of Omega 3 fats.
#3 Move your body!
Exercise can lead to lower inflammation in the body and support gut health, both beneficial for stabilizing metabolism. Studies indicate, however, that overweight women are many times more at risk for both diabetes and Breast Cancer [10]. In addition, a 2017 analysis [11] conducted at Gazi University in Turkey found a strong causal relationship between obesity and insulin resistance, which in turn causes estrogen imbalance and a higher risk of Breast Cancer.
#4 Consider key supplements for balancing insulin.
Perhaps the best supplement out there for getting insulin levels under control is berberine [12]. According to research conducted at Brigham Young University [13] among others, berberine can kick in an enzyme in the body called AMP-activated kinase [14], or AMPK. This enzyme is known as the “metabolic master switch.” It has the ability to affect how energy is used by cells.
The Key to Lowering Insulin Resistance Is In Your Hands!
According to a 2017 report [15] put out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are more than 100 million Americans who have metabolic syndrome. This is a huge number—and a huge problem– since it represents a little under one-third [16] of the total US population!
The good news is that there are many concrete things you can do to change your situation around. Insulin resistance is serious because, if left unchecked, it may eventually lead you down the road to diabetes and Breast Cancer.
Choose the Healthy Breast path and turn your life, and your insulin levels, around today!
Dr. Veronique Desaulniers (“Dr. V”) is the founder of Breast Cancer Conqueror.com and The 7 Essentials System ™. This step-by-step guide empowers you with knowledge so you Never Have to Fear Breast Cancer Again! To watch a FREE webinar about the 7 steps for beating breast cancer naturally, Click Here [17]