Non-Therapeutic Insulin Use in Resistance-Trained Men

Non-Therapeutic Insulin Use in Resistance-Trained Men

Limited evidence exists detailing the ergogenic use of nontherapeutic insulin. This study sought to further clarify the nontherapeutic insulin use in resistance-trained men using the validated, 37-item, Strength Training Ergogenic Survey (STES). Self-selected subjects completed the Internet-based STES. The final sample included 199 male, non-type I diabetic, respondents. Of all respondents, 27.1% used non-therapeutic insulin, all but one of whom also used anabolic-androgenic steroids (98.1%). Those using non-therapeutic insulin were older, bigger, had greater annual incomes, and trained longer, when compared to non-users. Users were more likely European as well as being participants in either bodybuilding or powerlifting. Most believed some of their competitor’s used non-therapeutic insulin. Over four-in-five (81.5%) of non-therapeutic insulin users administered the drug after training and almost all (94.4%) administered it in a cyclic fashion. Reasons cited for non-therapeutic insulin use included: improve physique (84.2%), improve muscle mass (73.3%, and decrease fat (67.9%). Polypharmacy was the norm among non-therapeutic insulin users, as almost all (91.0%) respondents also abused anabolic-androgenic steroids or other drugs. The current study substantiates nontherapeutic insulin use by this sample of resistance trained males, with unknown, but potentially negative, health consequences. Non-therapeutic insulin use is a relevant issue for strength and conditioning specialists, fitness professionals, and healthcare practitioners. The non-therapeutic use of insulin may be increasing, necessitating a better understanding by all concerned, as well as further study by researchers.