High Levels of IGF-1 and recurrent IDC

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bamboogirl
bamboogirl Member Posts: 27
edited June 2014 in Complementary and Holistic Medicine and Treatment

hi there, I have a recurrent tumour after getting a lumpectomy in 2010. I've had my IGF-1 tested 3 times in the past 2 years and the reading is out of range, and quite high. My doctor was aware enough to order to test for me, but her knowledge is limited as to what I should do about it. There are many reports online that suggests IGF-1 will encourage cancer cells to grow.

There are some suggestions online to reduce it, such as eliminating dairy, eating less fat, fasting 2 days a week, or possibly taking Metformin.

Before I embark on any attempts to reduce this, my question is: has anyone out there dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis found that they had high levels of IGF-1, and, if so, were you able to bring the levels down? What methods worked for you? 

Thank you all for any insight. 

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  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited May 2013

    Hi there! I have not had my IGF tested, but my blood sugar was higher than I liked, without actually being in the diabetic range. I will look into having the actual IGF tested.

    As far as blood sugar, I have managed to lower mine some with a disciplined diet low in carbs and a reasonably high level of exercise.

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  • bamboogirl
    bamboogirl Member Posts: 27
    edited May 2013

    hi Momine, thanks!
    I eat a low carb paleo type diet, exercise like crazy, and have stable blood sugar (thanks to low carb eating). I have just tried Metformin this week but the SEs were so pronounced from just one pill I have put the idea on hold. I'm considering no dairy and taking resveratrol. I don't know what else to do. My body hates drugs of any kind. 

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  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited May 2013

    Bamboo, that is interesting. Are there any signs of the high IGF? I mean, can you feel it in any way? What is your A1c numbers like? I discovered that although my fasting glucose is now down below 90, my A1c still clicks in right on the border to pre-diabetes.

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  • bamboogirl
    bamboogirl Member Posts: 27
    edited May 2013

    hi, there are no symptoms of high IGF-1, and not many doctors (in my experience) will order the test as they don't know how to interpret the results. I've always had hypoglycemia though, but that's totally under control by eating low carb and good amount of protein. My glucose was fine. My fasting insulin was a bit low. My doctor who tests this for me acknowledges it's a problem, but doesn't even know who to send me to to figure out why it's high or how to lower it. I feel like I'm fumbling in the dark on this issue. I don't believe I have done a A1c test. 

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  • Momine
    Momine Member Posts: 7,859
    edited May 2013

    Bamboo, how annoying! If I discover anything useful, I will let you know and hope you will do the same.

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  • Heidihill
    Heidihill Member Posts: 5,476
    edited May 2013

    I've never done an IGF-1 test but have read that reducing protein and calories will lower IGF-1. Exercise increases it. I'm not sure if one should be trying to reduce IGF-1 given that it is important for muscle and connective tissue, brain, heart and bone health. I suppose it is a matter of balance but can't tell you what a balanced level would be. Metformin and exercise both activate AMPK and AMPK seems to inhibit IGF-1 signals. Maybe AMPK is what balances it all and maybe reducing protein and calories at the same time?

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  • Anne45
    Anne45 Member Posts: 1,037
    edited May 2013

    I just skimmed an article in this months issue (May) of National Geographic.  It tells of a group of people with Laron dwarfism syndrome.   They live to a very old age.  They have been followed over peroid of time and they just dont get cancer or diabetes.    They say their blood has a gene mutation that suppresses the IGF-1.  You can read the article on line.    

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  • curveball
    curveball Member Posts: 3,040
    edited May 2013

    Here's a link to the article. http://ngm.nationalgeographic.com/2013/05/longevity/hall-text

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