Insulin is a hormone produced in the
pancreas which helps to regulate glucose levels in the body. Medically,
it is typically used in the treatment of diabetes. Recently, insulin has
become quite popular among bodybuilders due to the anabolic effect it
can offer. With well-times injections, insulin will help to bring
glycogen and other nutrients to the muscle.
In America, regular human insulin is available without a prescription by
the name of Humulin R by Eli Lilly and Company. It costs about $20 for a
10 ml vial with a strength of 100 IU per ml. Eli Lilly and Company also
produces 5 other insulin formulations, but none of these should be used
by bodybuilders. Humulin R is the safest because it takes effect quickly
and has the shortest duration of activity. The other insulin
formulations remain active for a longer period and can put the user in
an unexpected state of hypoglycemia.
Hypoglycemia occurs when blood glucose levels are too low. It is a
common and potentially fatal reaction experienced by insulin users.
Before an athlete begins taking insulin, it is critical that he
understands the warning signs and symptoms of hypoglycemia. The
following is a list of symptoms which may indicate a mild to moderate
hypoglycemia: hunger, drowsiness, blurred vision, depressive mood,
dizziness, sweating, palpitation, tremor, restlessness, tingling in the
hands, feet, lips, or tongue, lightheadedness, inability to concentrate,
headache, sleep disturbances, anxiety, slurred speech, irritability,
abnormal behavior, unsteady movement, and personality changes. If any of
these warning signs should occur, an athlete should immediately consume
a food or drink containing sugar such as a candy bar or carbohydrate
drink. This will treat a mild to moderate hypoglycemia and prevent a
severe state of hypoglycemia. Severe hypoglycemia is a serious condition
that may require medical attention. Symptoms include disorientation,
seizure, unconsciousness, and death.
Insulin is used in a wide variety of ways. Most athletes choose to use
it immediately after a workout. Dosages used are usually 1 IU per 10-20
pounds of lean bodyweight. First-time users should start at a low dosage
and gradually work up. For example, first begin with 2 IU and then
increase the dosage by 1 IU every consecutive workout. This will allow
the athlete to safely determine a dosage. Insulin dosages can very
significantly among athletes and are dependent upon insulin sensitivity
and the use of other drugs. Athletes using growth hormone can thyroid
will have higher insulin requirements, and therefore, will be able to
handle higher dosages.
Humilin R should be injected subcutaneously only with a U-100 insulin
syringe. Insulin syringes are available without a prescription in many
states. If the athlete cannot purchase the syringes at a pharmacy, he
can mail order them or buy them on the black market. Using a syringe
other than a U-100 is dangerous since it will be difficult to measure
out the correct dosage. Subcutaneous insulin injections are usually
given by pinching a fold of skin in the abdomen area. To speed up the
effect of insulin, many athletes will inject their dosage into the
thighs or triceps.
Most athletes will bring their insulin with them to the gym. Insulin
should be refrigerated, but it is all right to keep it in a gym bag as
long as it is kept away from excessive heat. Immediately after a workout,
the athlete will inject his dosage of insulin. Within the next fifteen
minutes, he should have a carbohydrate drink such as Ultra Fuel by
Twinlab. The athlete should consume at least 10 grams of carbohydrates
for every 1 IU of insulin injected. Most athletes will also take
creatine monohydrate with their carbohydrate drink since the insulin
will help to force the creatine into the muscles. An hour or so after
injecting insulin, most athletes will eat a meal or consume a protein
shake. The carbohydrate drink and meal/protein shake are necessary.
Without them, blood sugar levels will drop dangerously low and the
athlete will most likely go into a state of hypoglycemia.
Many athletes will get sleepy after injecting insulin. This may be a
symptom of hypoglycemia, and an athlete should probably consume more
carbohydrates. Avoid the temptation to go to bed since the insulin may
take its peak effect during sleep and significantly drop glucose levels.
Being unaware of the warning signs during this slumber, the athlete is
at a high risk of going into a state of severe hypoglycemia without
anyone realizing it. Humulin R usually remains active for only 4 hours
with a peak at about two hours after injecting. An athlete would be wise
to stay up for the 4 hours after injecting.
Rather than waiting to the end of a workout, many athletes prefer to
inject their insulin dosage 30 minutes before their training session is
over and then consume a carbohydrate drink immediately following the
workout. This will make the insulin more efficient at bringing glycogen
to the muscles, but it will also increase the danger of hypoglycemia.
Some athletes will even inject a few IUs before lifting to improve their
pump. This practice is extremely risky and best left to athletes with
experience using insulin. After the injection, they will consume a
carbohydrate drink and then have breakfast within the next hour. Some
athletes find this application of insulin very beneficial for putting on
mass, while others will tend to put on excess fat using insulin in this
way.
Insulin use cannot be detected during a drug test. For this reason,
along with the fact that it is cheap and readily available, insulin has
become a popular drug among the competitive athlete. However, before an
athlete attempts to use insulin, he should educate himself and make
himself aware of the consequences. One mistake in dosage or diet can be
potentially fatal.