The Ultimate Insulin Protocol By: Mike Arnold

[Swole_T1D]

The Ultimate Insulin Protocol By: Mike Arnold



Insulin….the peptide everyone wants to know about, but which few are willing to include in their programs. Inevitably, should one inquire how to use this drug, the forthcoming responses almost always come in the way of well meaning admonitions encouraging the prospective user to abstain. Insulin has become somewhat of a taboo subject in our community, even among those of us who willingly engage in and encourage the use of illegal AAS. At first glance, one can understand why this mind-set might rule the general BB’ing population. However, upon further inspection it is revealed that insulin, when administered by those who have a thorough understanding of the drug and religiously adhere to all safety guidelines, can be used both successfully and with relative safety.



Still, it is not without some measure of truth that insulin comes with so many warnings. In a worst case scenario, it can kill you if used improperly. It should also be noted that even when insulin is used responsibly, it carries with it a certain degree of inherent risk. Should the user find himself in unfortunate circumstances, such as acquiring an abrupt case of the stomach flu leading to an inability to hold down any food/liquid, the user could be in trouble, especially if he had just administered a large dosage of Insulin and an E.R cannot quickly be located. This is just one example of how an individual could find himself in a predicament for which he is not responsible, but which none the less could result in an emergency situation.



The purpose of this article is not to educate the reader on how to protect oneself from the potential dangers of Insulin, but to supply a wholistic and maximally effective method of insulin administration. I assume that anyone who is willing to implement this protocol into their BB’ing program is thoroughly educated regarding its application and all available safety nets have been put in place. Furthermore, I encourage no one to use this program. It is posted for entertainment purposes only.



The internet is filled with different thoughts and ideas on how to best use insulin. Some of these ideas are worthwhile, while others are complete garbage. In this article we will explore what many believe to be the single most effective time to use insulin…pre-workout. There is considerable scientific evidence which can be used to back up this claim of superiority, as well as numerous anecdotal reports proclaiming likewise. In the following protocol I have followed suit in regards to timing, but have gone a step further and devised what I consider to be the single most effective insulin program on involving once daily use.



Users of this protocol have reported average gains of 10 lbs in 2 weeks or less, which I can personally confirm. The pumps & muscle fullness one will achieve while following this protocol are staggering. The program finds its magic in its timing and the synergy of ingredients utilized. Listed below is the protocol in its entirety.



•60 minutes pre-workout: *** optional (Any of the pump-producing supplements on the market. Gaspari Nutrition’s “Vasotropin” is a great product). •45 minutes pre-workout: 15 IU Humulin R. •20 minutes pre-workout: 50 grams High molecular weight carb (ex: Vitargo, Karbolyn, etc). 20 grams Hydrolyzed protein (ex: Hydrowhey, Carnivore). 20 grams Glycerol monostearate. 3 grams Leucine. 5 grams Micronized creatine monohydrate. 2 grams Beta alanine. 10 grams Glutamine. 3 grams Taurine. 500 mg Potassium. 1 gram Vitamin C. •75 minutes after 1st shake: 50 grams High molecular weight carb. 20 grams Hydrolyzed protein (ex: Hydrowhey, Carnivore). 10 grams Glycerol monostearate. 3 grams Leucine. 5 grams Micronized creatine. 2 grams Beta alanine. 10 grams Glutamine. 3 grams Taurine. •75 minutes after 2nd shake: 50 grams High molecular weight carb. 20 grams Hydrolyzed protein (ex: Hydrowhey, Carnivore). 3 grams Leucine. 5 grams Glutamine.



Total protein: 60 grams (excluding added free-form aminos) Total Carbs: 150 grams (excluding the trace amounts of carbohydrates found in protein the powder).



First of all, when formulating the macro/slin ratio above, I increased the amount of carbs-protein above what is typically required per IU of slin, in order to account for users who demonstrate an above average degree of insulin sensitivity. Most slin users or BB’rs in general, will require roughly 8 grams of carbs-protein per IU of slin, in order to break even and maintain normal blood glucose. This protocol utilizes a 14 : 1 ratio (macros/slin), which will allow for pretty much anyone to employ this program while maintaining blood sugar within a normal range.



It should be noted that this program is designed to be followed “AS WRITTEN”, especially in regards to nutrient timing and quantities. For previous insulin users who know what ratios are ideal for them, they are a liberty to reduce the number of macros consumed per IU, if necessary, as determined suitable by their metabolic need. For the inexperienced, the nutrition component of the program should be adhered to as directed for at least 2 weeks, at which point the user can then begin personalizing their macro/slin ratio, if necessary.



Followed on next post

 

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The foundation of this program rests on the specific type of macros used. Without them, every single other component/aspect of this program is negatively affected and in some cases rendered ineffective altogether. High molecular weight carbohydrates, such as Karbolyn, have been shown to be superior to other forms of carbohydrates in multiple ways, such as: 1) A much greater rate of digestion and assimilation. 2) Improved glycogen compensation. 3) Enhanced insulin release. 4) The ability to pull other nutrients into circulation at a more rapid rate (vacuum effect). 5) The inability to cause intestinal water retention, unlike other forms of carbohydrates, such as dextrose & maltodextrin. The result is zero bloating, no indigestion, and a tighter midsection. 6) The ability to initiate an osmotic affect at the cellular level, in which the balance of water is shifted in favor of the muscle cell & bloodstream and away from the subcutaneous region (the result is a fuller, drier physique). Using other forms of carbohydrates will bring inferior results and therefore, it is not advised that the individual use substitutions for this part of the program.



Moving on to the protein component; hydrolyzed proteins are much more rapidly absorbed than other types of protein and are the only protein which can be consumed along with high molecular weight carbs without impairing their absorption. Hydrolyzed proteins also have another advantage in that they stimulate protein synthesis to a greater degree than either whey protein concentrate or isolate. The is likely due to hydrolyzed whey’s leucine content entering circulation at a faster rate compared to concentrates/ isolates. Recent research on leucine shows that the human body requires 4.5 grams of this amino acid in order to maximally stimulate protein synthesis. This 4.5 grams dose needs to be administered all at once in order to generate this response, not released into the system over an extended period of time, which occurs when consuming concentrates & isolates. For this reason, you will find roughly 4.5-5 grams of leucine in each one of the shakes listed above, with roughly 2 grams coming from each 20 gram serving of hydrolyzed whey and an additional 3 grams in supplemental form.



In this protocol you will also find a slot for adding an N.O product of your choice. I have personally found Gaspari’s Vasotropin to be highly effective. The addition of this supplement, while not “necessary”, will further increase circulation and nutrient delivery to working muscles, as well as help contribute to the pump experienced during and after training. Glycerol monostearate is also included among the roster of ingredients for its role as a muscle volumizer. This compound is frequently used just prior to competition, in order to help achieve a full & tight look during the show. It is also properly included in most of the other high quality pre-intra workout products on the market. You will also notice the inclusion of several other muscle cell volumizers, many of which work synergistically to bring more pronounced results. These include traditional volumizers, such as glutamine, taurine, creatine, and potassium, as well as newer products like Beta alanine.



In order to promote enhanced recovery and a maximum growth response, the timing of the shakes has been set-up to maintain a constant influx of nutrients throughout the entire active life of the insulin. Humulin R was specifically chosen for this purpose, as its half-life will allow the user to take advantage of both the intra and post-workout windows. Humulin R also delivers a less pronounced insulin spike, which is easier to manage for most users in comparison to a faster-acting version of insulin, such as Humalog.



When speaking of insulin programs in general, one of the biggest issues plaguing its users is that of insulin resistance. Chronic, long-term insulin use can damage insulin sensitivity, which is accompanied by all sorts of potential complications. This is the reason why most programs out there call for the user to take some off-time every so often, as it is necessary in order to avoid insulin resistance. However, due to the limited insulin exposure time encountered while running this protocol, insulin sensitivity is only moderately affected when using the program 5-6X per week. For individuals who opt to use the program only 3-4X per week, alterations in insulin sensitivity is a non-issue. For those running it the recommended 5-6X per week, one of two steps can be taken to ensure insulin sensitivity is maintained. 1) The user can either take 2 weeks off for every 4 weeks on…or 2) The individual can add Glucophage (Metformin) into his program 3-4X per week at 700-800 mg, 2X/Day.



For 1st time insulin users, while the macro/slin ratio listed above is sufficient, I always recommend they start out at a reduced dosage and gradually work their way up to the full amount. For one’s 1st inject, a dosage of 6-8 IU is ideal. This can be followed up by a 2nd inject of 8-10 IU…and concluded with a 3rd and final inject of 10-12 IU before finally moving up to the full 15 IU. Lastly, I do not consider this program suitable for all BB’rs, but only for those who have achieved at least a moderate level of development.



For anyone out there who has been contemplating using insulin, but does not know how to go about adding it into one’s program, the above protocol is an excellent starting point and for

Next post contain a little update on his protocol

 

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Attention:


I wrote this article years ago, so several of the recommendations within it are outdated. In some other instances, my opinions have changed.

For example, while I still like high molecular weight "complex" carbs like Karbolyn, Vitargo, etc, highly branched cyclic dextrins (A simple carb) have burst onto the scene over the last couple years and are also a great carb source. Which one is better will depend on personal response, what is more important to the individual, and of course, personal opinion. HBCD's and it seems to be lighter on the stomach during training, so many people like them for that reason, but in my experience, "complex" high molecular weight carbs such as Karbolyn seem to be superior for muscle fullness. Both are excellent choices Of course, there are many other, non-name brand high molecular weight carbs on the market, as well.

One thing which has certainly changed since I typed that article is my secondary ingredient recommendations. Today, there are numerous great compounds available that either weren't around back then, or weren't widely known about. For example, the old protocol includes glycerol, leucine, creatine, beta alanine, glutamine, taurine, potassium, magnesium, vitamin C, and I also mention NO boosters like Vasotropin.

When it comes to secondary compounds, the reality is that there are 100's out there which supply some type of beneficial effect. Obviously, we can't include them all, so we need to be choosy. I only consider two of them to be essential. These are leucine and creatine; preferably micronized creatine, so that it dissolves easily in water. Leucine is the anabolic signal which activates mTOR, so having the right amount of leucine present is essential for optimizing protein synthesis--the goal of every bodybuilder. Creatine has so many benefits for the bodybuilder that everyone should be using it.

After leucine and creatine, you can choose any number of compounds you want, based on what effects you are looking for. Are you trying to improve blood flow (ex. agmatine), further increase mTOR activation (ex. phosphatidic acid), volumize your muscles (ex. betaine), decrease catabolism (HMB), increase energy (caffeine), enhance mental acuity & focus (ex. adafinil), etc? There are many great compounds out there which can help in all of these areas and more, so depending on what you want. Because everyone's needs/wants are different, I no longer include any secondary ingredients, outside of creatine and leucine, when making general recommendations for an intra-workout shake.

In addition, I no longer recommend consuming 3 separate shakes, but simply mixing up one intra-workout shake which contains the correct amount if protein and carbs for your own needs, and then drinking 1/3rd of it about 5-10 minutes before starting training, 1/3rd halfway through training, and 1/3rd at the end of training. This will supply a sustained delivery of nutrients to your muscles from the start of training until the end. About 30-60 minute after training, have a whole-food meal containing a large amount of protein, complex carbs (some sugars such as fruit, are fine as well), and even some fat. A good example would be grass-fed steak, a pile of mashed potatoes w/ grass-fed butter, some asparagus, and a cup of blueberries. This is just one of a million different meals you could have a this time.

Lastly, I no longer recommend injecting Humulin 45 minutes pre-training, but only about 10-15 minutes beforehand, as this will keep the insulin active through the entire training window, which includes training itself, as well as a few hours afterward. This is the timeframe you want elevated insulin levels the most.

-Mike Arnold