The risks and benefits of using insulin

[weavy88]

I have considered using insulin several times in the past, but always put it on hold because i never deemed it necessary. Now, there's a good chance i won't be using slin for years to come, but wanted to get a head start on the knowledge base. My biggest question is, what is the biggest risk (besides dieing) from using slin? Would it cause permanent insulin resistance that could lead to diabetes? And just how how impressive are the gains? Obviously i would take it with gear and prolly hgh, but what kind of gains are we really talking here? 10 lbs? 20? 30? Input appreciated.

 

[Megatron28]

Besides death? That isn't sufficient of a risk?

 

[weavy88]

Besides death? That isn't sufficient of a risk?

you seemed to have misunderstood my statement. I am already very well aware that slin can be fatal, I am wondering about other risks.

 

[halfwit]

For starters, lbm gains come from several variables, so it's very difficult to state just how much lean mass could be attributed to insulin alone. Not to mention the fact that the reason for exogenous insulin use is to accommodate additional calories/nutrients that endogenous insulin may be inadequate to support.

The risk of insulin resistance is proportional to the amount of times one goes hypoglycemic, as the body will try to compensate. It compensates by increasing resistance - so once again, I can't give an exact answer to that question either.

There are studies currently looking into the links between cancer and liver damage from hyperinsulemia (more insulin than the body normally produces), but most I've read have been fairly inconclusive. It does make sense to me that if the hyperinsulemia is caused by a long acting formulation, that the liver would become stressed over time, as it is responsible for glycemic control while sleeping.

The most obvious risk that I can think of (besides death) would be weight gain in the form of adipose fat. This is why I cannot understand folks that want to cycle just slin, instead of promoting lean growth via AAS - helping to reduce the risk.

As an insulin dependent diabetic, I have had one hell of a time trying to dial in proper doses for cutting/bulking phases, and that's with the "safety net" of already being insulin resistant. Going hypoglycemic is not an enjoyable experience, so I would definitely do a great deal of research before taking on such an endeavor.

My .02c

 

[weavy88]

thanks, that was helpful.

There are studies currently looking into the links between cancer and liver damage from hyperinsulemia (more insulin than the body normally produces), but most I've read have been fairly inconclusive. It does make sense to me that if the hyperinsulemia is caused by a long acting formulation, that the liver would become stressed over time, as it is responsible for glycemic control while sleeping.

^^could this risk be reduced by using shorter acting slins like Humulin-R?

 

[snowpatrol123]

thanks, that was helpful.



^^could this risk be reduced by using shorter acting slins like Humulin-R?

Maybe, I mean it could/might/probably depends on the frequency of your use as well as the type/active profile

Your question is far too open ended...I would put it this way: it's dangerous, and in order to make the call on whether it's worth the risk (to you) or not you should have done enough reading to know this (our collective forum answers aren't enough imo)

-what are your goals? size, weight, competitive, recreational, other?
-what kind of timeline do you have to achieve them?
-what's your body type, typically more endo/meso/ecto? (there are a lot of other avenues you can pursue before insulin)
-how much growth hormone can you afford? how much fat are you willing to pack on per pound of muscle?
-who depends on you being alive/healthy?
-do you have health insurance?
-do you have a personal or family history of diabetes/pancreas/kidney issues?

Anyways, many many things to think about - you'd have to make a really big pros/cons list and really decide for yourself...

 

[Mrrippedzilla]

Besides death? That isn't sufficient of a risk?

Mega, you know I don't like scare mongering


OP, the risk/reward ratio of any compound is individual specific and no one can give you a fixed answer on whether it is worth it or not (this is basically what your asking).

Along with answers to the questions SP posed, I recommend researching insulin yourself - one of the benefits of a compound being legal is that there is plenty of quality data out there for you to look through and make your own mind up(pubmed is a good place to start).
No one here is going to give you an accurate & thorough risk/reward analysis unless they're feeling VERY friendly.

Once you've done that, there is plenty of knowledgeable guys here who can answer your questions once they become more...specific

 

[Megatron28]

you seemed to have misunderstood my statement. I am already very well aware that slin can be fatal, I am wondering about other risks.

I understood what you said. I think it is just funny how you wrote it. "I might kill myself. Is there anything else I should worry about?".

 

[halfwit]

thanks, that was helpful.



^^could this risk be reduced by using shorter acting slins like Humulin-R?

To add to what the others stated, the problem with fast acting insulin is that the propensity for overdose can be greater if you misjudge the carbohydrate amount in the meals you consume.

Keep researching though, the more you know - the better prepared you become to make intelligent decisions. I find that aways leads to better results IME.