Navigating the Controversial Waters of Insulin Use in Bodybuilding: The Unseen Risks and Rewards
- Ty Lewis
- Oct 6, 2024
- 4 min read
Insulin, a hormone that regulates blood sugar levels, has garnered significant attention in the bodybuilding world for its potential to enhance muscle growth. However, like many tools in the bodybuilder's arsenal, the use of insulin comes with both benefits and risks that must be carefully considered.

The Positives and Negatives of Insulin in Bodybuilding
The Positives:
When used correctly, insulin can be a powerful ally in the pursuit of increased muscle mass. By shuttling nutrients like glucose and amino acids into muscle cells, insulin promotes rapid recovery and optimal conditions for muscle growth. This anabolic effect is what makes insulin an attractive option for bodybuilders looking to take their gains to the next level. It is most often paired with Testosterone and Human Growth Hormone. This trinity is extremely synergistic and bioidentical. If used correctly, one could gain a solid source of muscle growth while maintaining a lean physique if the calories and quality of food is managed correctly. Timing and type of insulin is very important, bodybuilders often opt for a shorter acting insulin.
The Negatives:
Despite its potential benefits, insulin misuse can have severe consequences. One of the most significant dangers of insulin abuse is the risk of hypoglycemia, a condition characterized by dangerously low blood sugar levels. Severe hypoglycemia can lead to dizziness, confusion, seizures, and in extreme cases, coma or death. Moreover, improper insulin dosing or timing can result in unwanted fat gain, insulin resistance, and long-term health complications.
The Dangers of Insulin in Bodybuilding
The allure of insulin lies in its ability to supercharge muscle growth, but this power comes with inherent dangers. Pro bodybuilders who have pushed the limits of insulin usage have experienced the dark side of this hormone, with some paying the ultimate price for recklessness. It is crucial for aspiring bodybuilders to understand that the risks associated with insulin abuse far outweigh the potential rewards. Many start to chase gains by pushing the envelope, I have seen some aspiring bodybuilders using 30 to 40 ius a day while pushing 300 grams of carbohydrates per meal on top of everything else. They begin to have a bloated watery look and start gaining fat at a rapid rate, due to the overcompensation of trying to cover the amount of insulin they used, instead of tailoring their insulin use to their diet.
Milos Sarcev's Insulin Point of View and Protocol for Bodybuilding
Renowned bodybuilding coach Milos Sarcev is known for his innovative approach to training and nutrition. Sarcev advocates for a cautious and methodical use of insulin in bodybuilding, emphasizing the importance of proper education and monitoring when incorporating insulin into a regimen. His protocol involves precise dosing based on individual response, combined with strategic nutrient timing to maximize muscle growth while minimizing the risk of side effects. Milos strongly agrees that insulin is a powerful shuttle when used pre and post workout but specifically tailored for the individual. The other side to that is, Milos has decades of experience both competing and coaching so his oversight and guidance monitors his clients. His clients have been able to gain loads of thick muscle through his oversight.
Pro Bodybuilders Using Insulin with Success
While some pro bodybuilders have fallen victim to the perils of insulin misuse, others have harnessed its potential with great success. Athletes like Milos Sarcev himself, as well as elite competitors like Dorian Yates and Ronnie Coleman, have leveraged insulin as part of their arsenal to sculpt world-class physiques. The key to their success lies in a deep understanding of insulin's mechanisms and a disciplined approach to its use. Justin Harris has probably the best approach I have seen for his athletes. He simply asks what is your current diet? How many carbs can you hold without spilling over? Then he recommends having your insulin match what you are already programmed to be eating. This approach takes away guessing and allows the body to hold more of what you are taking in, which leads to getter muscle recruitment and nutrient absorption.
The Pitfalls of Not Knowing How to Use Insulin
For novice bodybuilders or those unfamiliar with the intricacies of insulin, the temptation to experiment with this hormone can be dangerous. The pitfalls of not knowing how to use insulin effectively can lead to serious health risks, compromised performance, and setbacks in achieving muscle-building goals. Education, caution, and a respect for the potential dangers of insulin are paramount for those considering its inclusion in their bodybuilding regimen.
In conclusion, the use of insulin in bodybuilding is a double-edged sword that must be wielded with caution and respect. While the promise of accelerated muscle growth is tantalizing, the risks associated with insulin misuse are severe and should not be taken lightly. By following the guidance of experts like Milos Sarcev, Justin Harris, Chad Nichols or on lower level myself, understanding the potential pitfalls, and approaching its use with care, bodybuilders can navigate the controversial waters of insulin with a focus on safety and sustainable progress.
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