Patients with stage III colon cancer who had the highest “dietary insulin load”—the level of insulin produced by the body in response to diet—were twice as likely to have a recurrence or die of the disease as patients with the lowest load.
Diets high in simple carbohydrates (such as white bread and refined-grain pastas), sugar, and fat—prominent components of Western-pattern diets—tend to produce high insulin levels.
Mediterranean-style diets, which are rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, and healthy fats and proteins, are associated with lower insulin levels.
