Insulin

A dangerous anabolic agent

Insulin is a natural peptide hormone used in the management of diabetes. Insulin lowers blood sugar part by promoting its uptake into muscle. Insulin is safe in diabetic patients under medical supervision however it can be potentially fatal in athletes abusing insulin for purely anabolic benefits. Insulin abuse has been described in body-builders; short-acting preparations are the most popular. Athletes abusing insulin are putting themselves at serious risk of hypogycaemia, coma, brain damage and death. The risk of hypoglycaemia is increased in those also abusing anabolic steroids.

One of the insulin products abused is the Actrapid pen, which is estimated to retail at about £60 on the black market. Selling on of the unused portion of the pen has also been described with the likelihood of needle sharing and additional risk of hepatitis and HIV.