Hi there,
I just got my lab work back yesterday and the docter said I have elevated insulin and my friend told me that means I have hypoglycemia is that true? the docter is going to go over it with me on Monday, He said dont' do anything different but no sweets at night and try and reduce down to only once a day having something sweet. I asked if I was a diabetic and he said no. Does anyone know what elevated insulin means???
thanks so much :)
deezie

Elevated insulin levels can indicate possible hypoglycemia, although, technically, if you are asymptomatic, it's probably not something to worry too much about. What really makes a low hypoglycemia is the symptoms that go along with the low blood sugar reading. You can be low at 70 if you feel it, or be fine at 50 if you don't feel it (unless you are insulin dependent, in which case you probably have hypoglycemia unawareness, but that doesn't apply to you). Basically, hypoglycemia has the potential to turn into type 2 diabetes in the future due to the recurrent taxing of the pancreas, but its not guaranteed. Mechanically speaking, your body isn't responding to its own insulin as well as it should be, thus is pumps out more than usual to compensate for any rise in blood sugar, resulting in hypoglycemia. Your doctor will probably tell you to eat small frequent meals throughout the day and try to avoid simple sugars which can cause blood sugar spikes. Most people can control hypoglycemia this way. I am unfortunately not one of them, but I am a fairly unique case, blood sugar wise. Good luck with the doctor :)

It is more likely that the high insulin level means insulin resistance, which is why you doc told you to cut out sweets. If your glucose levels are normal, this means that your body is producing too much insulin, and probably not utilizing it properly, in order to keep your glucose normal. Think about cutting back overall on carbohydrates and upping your fibre in your diet. While you may not be diabetic now, you stand a good chance of going down that road. Perhaps you should think about seeing a dietitian.

Cora