What is igf 1

Acromegaly, or GH over-production. This causes too much growth of the hands, feet, and facial bones in adults. Laron syndrome. With this condition, the body is not sensitive to GH due to a change mutation to the growth hormone receptor gene. This results in short stature dwarfism. Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, the method used for the test, and other things.

Your test results may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you. IGF-1 measurements are adjusted for age because levels tend to decrease after puberty as you get older. Normal ranges vary by age. The test is done with a blood sample.

A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand. Your doctor will be able to offer an explanation based on a broader range of information. High levels of IGF may increase your risk for colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer, though no recent studies have reviewed this connection.

Insulin that people use to treat type 2 diabetes may also increase the risk of certain cancers. Mecasermin Increlex is an artificial version of IGF.

One of the potential side effects of mecasermin is hypoglycemia. If you have hypoglycemia, that means you have low blood glucose. Research shows that IGF is capable of suppressing type 1 diabetes in mice. Some studies have shown that treatment with IGF may help control diabetes. While promising research exists, the relationship between IGF and diabetes is complicated.

More research is necessary before doctors can use IGF to treat this complex disease. A variety of dietary supplements contain growth hormones, including IGF.

Companies promote them for anti-aging, energy, and improving the immune system, among other claims. The U. It might also be diluted or the product could contain other potentially harmful substances.

People may also misuse or abuse IGF The side effects of IGF-1 may be similar to those of other growth hormones. These include overgrowth of body tissues, known as acromegaly, and damage to the joints, liver, and heart.

IGF-1 can cause your blood glucose levels to drop. You may be able to treat your diabetes with IGF, but this is still experimental. Your risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases as you age. Learn how to prevent, recognize, and treat diabetes. This is a rare childhood disorder that causes the body to produce too much growth hormone.

Children with gigantism are very tall for their age and have large hands and feet. This disorder, which affects adults, causes the body to produce too much growth hormone. Adults with acromegaly have thicker than normal bones and enlarged hands, feet, and facial features.

Why do I need an IGF-1 test? Symptoms of GH deficiency or GH insensitivity in children include: Slowed growth rate compared with children of the same age Shorter height, arms, and legs, and lower weight than children of the same age Small penis in males Thin hair Poor nail growth Adults with GH deficiency may have symptoms such as fatigue and decreased bone density and muscle mass. Symptoms of GH excess gigantism in children include: Excessive growth compared with children of the same age Overly large head Larger than normal hands and feet Mild to moderate obesity Symptoms of GH excess acromegaly in adults include: Deep, husky voice Larger than normal facial features such as lips, nose, and tongue Excessive sweating and body odor Thickening of bones Coarse, oily skin Irregular menstrual cycles in women Erectile dysfunction in men.

What happens during an IGF-1 test? Will I need to do anything to prepare for this test? You don't need any special preparations for an IGF-1 test.

Are there any risks to this test? What do the results mean? Is there anything else I need to know about an IGF-1 test? References Hormone Health Network [Internet].

Endocrine Society; c Acromegaly; [updated Apr; cited Apr 5]; [about 3 screens]. Growth Hormone Deficiency; [updated Nov; cited Apr 5]; [about 3 screens]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c— Acromegaly: Diagnosis and treatment; Feb 16 [cited Apr 5]; [about 4 screens].

Acromegaly: Symptoms and causes; Feb 16 [cited Apr 5]; [about 3 screens]. Gaithersburg MD : U.