Role of Insulin, Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1, Hyperglycemic Food, and Milk Consumption in the Pathogenesis of Acne Vulgaris
September 2009
in “
Experimental dermatology
”
TLDR Eating high-glycemic foods and drinking milk may worsen acne by increasing insulin and IGF-1 levels.
The review discussed the role of insulin, IGF-1, hyperglycemic foods, and milk consumption in acne vulgaris pathogenesis, highlighting that IGF-1 and insulin stimulate sebaceous gland lipogenesis and androgen synthesis, crucial for acne development. Increased IGF-1 levels correlated with acne severity and enhanced androgen receptor activity. Metformin and thiazolidinediones improved insulin sensitivity and reduced IGF-1 levels, potentially mitigating acne symptoms. High glycemic diets and milk consumption exacerbated acne by increasing IGF-1 levels. Epidemiological studies showed no acne in populations with low glycemic diets and no dairy consumption. Persistent acne with high IGF-1 levels may indicate increased cancer risk, suggesting dietary modifications and pharmacological interventions could improve acne and reduce cancer risk.
