Elevated insulin levels happen as a result of consuming excess fat, sugar, protein and refined or processed foods. Over time, this over consumption leads to over weight and all over weight people (diabetic or not) have high levels of insulin. Insulin, that hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to sugar in the blood stream, can be secreted at 4-5x the normal level as a result of being over weight. And while I bet I have you all thinking diabetes, abnormally high levels of insulin (again diabetes or not) is "an independent risk factor for early cardiac death".
The high levels of insulin found in diabetics promotes hardening of the arteries (which contributes to age related diseases of Alzheimer's, Peripheral Artery Disease, Coronary Artery Disease, etc.), blocks cholesterol removal, damages smooth muscle and collagen and elastin fibers. In fact, it's certainly not just the diabetic people who see the skin consequences of sugar ingestion. After about the age of 35, skin can become wrinkled and saggy because the sugar attaches to proteins and breaks them down. These once resilient skin building blocks don't bounce back once this damage has occurred.
Should you go sugar-free? Probably not. The sugar free options out there are usually highly processed and refined with chemical substitutes that provide sweetness. Little by little, you should aim to curb your sweet tooth, choose raw fruit for satisfying your want for something sweet, and make sure you have had your serum insulin level checked. Not only is it your best predictor for heart attack, it can be a strong reminder of how fast you are allowing your body to age.
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