A study conducted in Denmark examined the relationship between fasting blood insulin levels and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in 40-year-old women. The study concluded, "The fasting serum insulin level is a very good predictor of the development of CVD disease...."

Journal of Cardiovascular Risk, June 1995; 2(3): 235-240)

Comment: Elevated insulin increases triglycerides and decreases (HDL) "good" cholesterol. Insulin can be indirectly measured on the Health Equations Blood Test Evaluation. See High Triglycerides Indicate Risk for Heart Attack. All dietary carbohydrates, from pasta, bagels, and whole grain bread to sugar, fruit and juice, increase insulin. This increase in insulin is necessary so the carbohydrates can be used by the cells. Excess dietary carbohydrates, however, cause excessive increases in the insulin level. Since high levels of insulin are associated with increased cardiovascular risk, a lower carbohydrate diet will decrease cardiovascular risk if insulin levels are too high.

© Health Equations 2002

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