Woman's Blood Sugar Health, insulin resistance risks & blood sugarBlood Sugar Health for Women
by Dr Joseph J Collins

This article is part of the Blood Sugar Health Educational Module

Women with blood sugar disorders can use GlucoQuench™ to (1) support glucose function, (2) support insulin function, (3) support lipid health, (4) support healthy weight, and (5) support vascular health. The herbs in GlucoQuench™ can support these functions by addressing the specific physiological functions required to achieve each of the five therapeutic goals to restore blood sugar health.

In addition to supporting the specific functions of the glucose-insulin-system, women also have gender specific needs based on the need to support estradiol function, and in some women, an additional need to decrease excessive testosterone activity.

Women, Insulin Resistance Risks, and Blood Sugar Health

In woman, the specific hormonal imbalances that may precipitate or contribute to abnormal blood sugar and insulin resistance are decreased estrogen function and excessive androgen function. Estradiol improves blood sugar (blood glucose) metabolism and decreases risk of developing hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance. It increases the uptake of glucose by muscle cells. Excessive testosterone levels can result in insulin resistance with increased glucose and insulin levels. Increased testosterone levels may also contribute to increased obesity (since high insulin levels increase fat storage and increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.

Support Estrogen Function in Women: Dropping estrogen levels in women bring about decreased sensitivity to insulin, resulting in the progressive onset of insulin resistance. Supporting estrogen function should especially be considered when there are other signs of estrogen deficiency. EstroMend™- The unique isoflavone complex in this formulation includes Pueraria lobata, which provides puerarin. Human studies suggest that puerarin can improve insulin function. Though there is no consensus in the medical literature; it appears that phytoestrogens may also decrease the progression of insulin resistance. More Information on EstroMend™

Control Excessive Androgen Activity in Women: Excessive testosterone in women often leads to insulin resistance, an association that is seen in women of all ages. To learn more about the effects of androgen excess on women please read the written work on Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. The best non-prescription therapy to control excessive androgens such as testosterone in women is to use TestoQuench™ for Women, a Hormone Specific™ Formulation. TestoQuench™ for Women is hormone free, and free of animal glands. It was developed specifically for women with androgen excess disorders. By calming the effects of the excessive androgens in women, this formula can help protect tissues that are sensitive to the effects of excess testosterone, and address the risk of developing insulin resistance. The Fenugreek in this formulation has a specific ability to improve insulin function. More Information on TestoQuench™ for Women

Support Thyroid Function in Women: Suboptimal thyroid function is strongly associated with insulin resistance and diabetes, and should especially be considered a possibility when there is diabetes or other blood sugar disorders in the family. Women are at greater risk than men are for having thyroid disorders. ThyroMend™ is a unique combination of seaweeds and herbs synergistically supports all seven key functions associated with optimal thyroid health. Learn more about Thyroid Health.

 Summary:

Women with blood sugar disorders can use GlucoQuench™ to (1) support glucose function, (2) support insulin function, (3) support lipid health, (4) support healthy weight, and (5) support vascular health.
In addition, there is often a need to support estradiol function with EstroMend™,  and in some women, an additional need to decrease excessive testosterone activity by using TestoQuench™ for Women.
 

 

References and Additional Reading
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Cagnacci A, Soldani R, Carriero PL, Paoletti AM, Fioretti P, Melis GB. Effects of low doses of transdermal 17 beta-estradiol on carbohydrate metabolism in postmenopausal women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1992 Jun;74(6):1396-400

Barrat J, Giboudeau J, Polonovski J, Bigel P, Fourcat C, Porta F, Leger D. [Comparison of the effects of orally or percutaneously administered estradiol on carbohydrates and lipids after the menopause].[Article in French] J Gynecol Obstet Biol Reprod (Paris) 1984;13(6):621-7

Colacurci N, Zarcone R, Mollo A, Russo G, Passaro M, de Seta L, de Franciscis P. Effects of hormone replacement therapy on glucose metabolism. Panminerva Med 1998 Mar;40(1):18-21

Kumagai S, Holmang A, Bjorntorp P. The effects of oestrogen and progesterone on insulin sensitivity in female rats. Acta Physiol Scand 1993 Sep;149(1):91-7

Puah JA, Bailey CJ. Effect of ovarian hormones on glucose metabolism in mouse soleus muscle. Endocrinology 1985 Oct;117(4):1336-40

Falkner B, Hulman S, Kushner H. Gender differences in insulin-stimulated glucose utilization among African-Americans. Am J Hypertens 1994 Nov;7(11):948-52

Haffner SM, Valdez RA. Endogenous sex hormones: impact on lipids, lipoproteins, and insulin. Am J Med 1995 Jan 16;98(1A):40S-47S

De Pergola G, Triggiani V, Giorgino F, Cospite MR, Garruti G, Cignarelli M, Guastamacchia E, Giorgino R. The free testosterone to dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate molar ratio as a marker of visceral fat accumulation in premenopausal obese women. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 1994 Oct;18(10):659-64

Khaw KT, Barrett-Connor E. Fasting plasma glucose levels and endogenous androgens in non-diabetic postmenopausal women. Clin Sci (Colch) 1991 Mar;80(3):199-203

Andersson B, Mattsson LA, Hahn L, Marin P, Lapidus L, Holm G, Bengtsson BA, Bjorntorp P. Estrogen replacement therapy decreases hyperandrogenicity and improves glucose homeostasis and plasma lipids in postmenopausal women with noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 1997 Feb;82(2):638-43

Shi WG, Qu L, Wang JW. Study on interventing effect of puerarin on insulin resistance in patients with coronary heart disease. Zhongguo Zhong Xi Yi Jie He Za Zhi. 2002 Jan;22(1):21-4.

Gupta A, Gupta R, Lal B. Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds on glycaemic control and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a double blind placebo controlled study. J Assoc Physicians India. 2001 Nov; 49:1057-61.

Notarbartolo A, Rini G, Licata G, Scaglione R, Di Fede G, Averna MR, Montalto G, Butturini U. Correlation between different degree and duration of metabolic control and thyroid hormone levels in type 1 and type 2 diabetics. Acta Diabetol Lat. 1983 Oct-Dec;20(4):341-6.