Profactor-H (elevated circulating insulin): the link to health risk factors and diseases of civilization

R F Heller1, R F Heller

  • 1Department of Pathology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, New York 10029, USA.

Medical Hypotheses
|October 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Profactor-H, or chronic elevated circulating insulin, is linked to numerous diseases. Lifestyle changes, including reduced carbohydrate intake, chromium supplementation, activity, and stress reduction, can mitigate its health impacts.

Area of Science:

  • Metabolic Health
  • Endocrinology
  • Disease Etiology

Background:

  • Chronic elevated circulating insulin, termed Profactor-H, is prevalent in conditions like atherosclerosis, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases.
  • Profactor-H is identified as a central pathophysiological factor in the development of numerous diseases and health risks.
  • Factors influencing Profactor-H include genetics, high refined carbohydrate consumption, chromium deficiency, sedentary lifestyle, and stress.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To introduce and define the term Profactor-H for chronic elevated circulating insulin.
  • To highlight Profactor-H's significant role in the etiology of various chronic diseases and health risks.
  • To propose a comprehensive management strategy to mitigate the adverse effects of Profactor-H.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual framework development for Profactor-H.
  • Analysis of contributing factors to Profactor-H.
  • Proposal of a four-pronged intervention program: dietary carbohydrate reduction, chromium supplementation, physical activity, and stress management.

Main Results:

  • Profactor-H disrupts metabolic balance, promoting anabolic metabolism and impaired insulin action, particularly in obese individuals.
  • A similar detrimental cycle is observed in non-obese individuals, predisposing them to future health issues.
  • The proposed intervention program is hypothesized to minimize Profactor-H's impact and reduce associated health risks.

Conclusions:

  • Profactor-H is a critical, unifying pathophysiological factor underlying a spectrum of chronic diseases.
  • A multi-faceted lifestyle intervention targeting carbohydrate intake, chromium levels, physical activity, and stress is recommended.
  • Implementing this program can lead to reduced health risks and improved overall health outcomes.

Related Concept Videos

Obesity01:24

Obesity

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is a numerical value derived from a person's weight and height, used to categorize individuals into weight ranges. It is calculated using the formula: weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared. Obesity is a health condition characterized by excessive accumulation of adipose tissue that poses health risks, often diagnosed with a BMI ≥ 30. This excess fat storage occurs when surplus dietary calories are converted into triglycerides and stored in adipocytes...
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
Type I Diabetes I: Introduction01:12

Type I Diabetes I: Introduction

Type 1 diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by an absolute deficiency of insulin resulting from the autoimmune destruction of pancreatic β-cells. Although it can occur at any age, it is most commonly diagnosed in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. The loss of insulin production impairs cellular glucose uptake, resulting in persistent hyperglycemia and necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.Autoimmune Destruction of β-CellsThe hallmark of type 1 diabetes is an...
Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology01:26

Type I Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

Type 1 diabetes mellitus arises from an immune-mediated destruction of pancreatic β-cells, resulting in an absolute deficiency of insulin. This process develops in genetically susceptible individuals when autoimmunity, environmental exposures, and immunologic dysregulation converge to trigger a targeted attack on the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. The β-cells are located within the islets of Langerhans and are essential for regulating blood glucose by facilitating cellular uptake of...
Type II Diabetes I: Introduction01:26

Type II Diabetes I: Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance, in which target tissues such as the liver, muscle, and adipose tissue respond poorly to insulin. It is also associated with inadequate compensatory insulin secretion, where pancreatic β-cells fail to produce sufficient insulin. Together, these abnormalities lead to persistent hyperglycemia.EtiologyT2DM develops through a complex interaction of genetic predisposition and environmental or...
Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology01:24

Type II Diabetes II: Pathophysiology

PathophysiologyType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM ) is a chronic metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance and progressive pancreatic β-cell dysfunction, leading to impaired glucose homeostasis. It results from interactions among genetic predisposition, environmental factors, and metabolic stressors, such as overnutrition and a sedentary lifestyle.Insulin Resistance and Glucose DysregulationEarly T2DM involves insulin resistance in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and the liver.