Journal of Athletic EnhancementISSN: 2324-9080

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Research Article, J Athl Enhancement Vol: 3 Issue: 3

Non-Therapeutic Insulin Use in Resistance-Trained Men

Sarah D Ibanez, Robert D Kersey*, Lee E Brown and Kavin KW Tsang
Center for Sport Performance, Department of Kinesiology, California State University, Fullerton, CA. USA
Corresponding author : Robert D Kersey PhD, ATC, CSCS
California State University, Fullerton, 800 North State College Boulevard, Fullerton, CA, USA,
Tel: (657) 278-2676, 92831-6870; Fax: (657)278-5317
E-mail: rkersey@fullerton.edu
Received: August 18, 2013 Accepted: May 05, 2014 Published: May 11, 2014
Citation: Ibanez SD, Kersey RD, Brown LE, Tsang KKW (2014) Non-Therapeutic Insulin Use in Resistance-Trained Men. J Athl Enhancement 3:3. doi:10.4172/2324-9080.1000151

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Doping; Ergogenic; Anabolic; Hormone; Sport; Athlete

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