Insulin Resistance and Panic Attacks

Insulin is the fat growth hormone which is produced by the pancreas and that allows glucose into cells where it can be utilized as fuel. Because of heredity and lifestyle, (consumption of too much carbohydrates and lack of exercise) cells can become resistant to insulin. This causes the pancreas to pump out more insulin than is normal to get glucose inside the cell. When this happens it is known as "insulin resistance" (IR)   Studies have shown that people with Insulin Resistance can experience brain dysfunction due to this hormonal imbalance.

There are many, many medical and psychological conditions which are related to problems with Insulin Resistance.  One symptom as a result of Insulin Resistance, psychologically speaking, is Anxiety.  One disorder within the category of Anxiety is Panic Attacks. 

According to the DSM IV, which is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the most the most widely used psychiatric reference in the world, Panic Attacks are defined as such:

"A discrete period of intense fear or discomfort, in which four (or more) of the following symptoms developed abruptly and reached a peak within 10 minutes:

1) palpitations, pounding heart, or accelerated heart rate
2) sweating
3) trembling or shaking
4) sensations of shortness of breath or smothering
5) feeling of choking
6) chest pain or discomfort
7) nausea or abdominal distress
8) feeling dizzy, unsteady, lightheaded, or faint
9) derealization (feelings of unreality) or depersonalization (being detached from oneself)
10) fear of losing control or going crazy
11) fear of dying
12) paresthesias (numbness or tingling sensations)
13) chills or hot flushes"

To be very honest, I can personally tell you about Panic Attacks.  Nearly 30 years ago, I remember experiencing severe Panic Attacks while in Graduate School.  I experienced feelings of losing control (floor tipping as I walked, feelings I may do something crazy like jump off a balcony, feeling I may flip out while driving) feeling like I was having a heart attack, feeling like something was heavy sitting on my chest, shakiness, numbness and I had the sensation of the taste of copper in my mouth.  I simply thought it was all because I was under extreme stress in school. 

Since I have been working on diet which lessens the problems of Insulin Resistance (which is also part of Metabolic Syndrome)  I have come to realize I may have had these Panic Attacks due to Insulin Resistance as well as stress.  And stress contributes to hormonal imbalance too!

My point here is, wouldn't it make sense if we treated and or prevented Metabolic Syndrome by focusing on diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and medication when needed, then we could also prevent or lessen the problems of Panic Attacks and other Anxiety Disorders? 

In conclusion, if you are dealing with Metabolic Syndrome and Insulin Resistance, you may also be experiencing an Anxiety disorder.  It stands to reason if you get your insulin resistance in check, your mental health could significantly improve.  Consider discussing this with your Medical Health and or Mental Health Care Professional.   Take care, Lynn

Reference:
DSM IV