Insulin and Breast Cancer: Watch that Sugar!

By Dr. Carrie Jones Expert HERWriter

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Everybody knows a fasting glucose test measures the amount of sugar in your blood, but what about insulin? And what is insulin’s connection to breast cancer?

Insulin and glucose work together in your body. Insulin acts like a key that unlocks the cell door to let glucose inside. Insulin levels will rise if the cell door is broken or if the body puts out too much in response to your poor dietary habits. In the International Journal of Cancer, researchers looked at 5,400 post-menopausal women and found that insulin levels in the highest third had twice the risk of developing breast cancer than those in the lowest third.

They also found the link to be stronger in thin women with higher insulin levels as opposed to obese women. Many thin women assume they do not need to be worried about blood sugar or insulin; however, everyone should be checked.

Bottom line: have your doctor test your fasting glucose and insulin every year. Make sure you are exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet void of sugars, soda, fancy coffee drinks, juice, and sweets. Choose healthy varieties of vegetables, protein, and whole grains.

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We value and respect our HERWriters' experiences, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice, although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.