IGF-1 vs Insulin
The two anabolic hormone cousins — structural relatives with different jobs, studied side by side in growth and metabolism research. Here's a neutral, sourced side-by-side — no hype, every claim links to its evidence.
IGF-1
ApprovedAlso: Insulin Like Growth Factor 1 Protein, IGF-1 LR3 + GHRP
IGF-1 stands for insulin-like growth factor 1. It is a hormone that your body makes naturally.
Insulin
ApprovedInsulin is a hormone made by the pancreas, which is an organ in your belly that sits behind your stomach. It acts like a key that lets sugar move from your blood into your body's cells to give them energy.
At a Glance
| IGF-1 | Insulin | |
|---|---|---|
| Research status | Approved | Approved |
| Highest-tier evidence | Peer-reviewed study | Peer-reviewed study |
| Research citations | 12 | 294 |
| Dosing routes | SubQ | SubQ, Topical |
| Receptor targets | — | — |
| Half-life | — | — |
| Known side effects | 8 | 127 |
Research Areas
Top preclinical research areas — cited studies for each.
IGF-1
- Delays onset and progression of ALS symptoms
- Extends lifespan in ALS mouse models
- Attenuates muscle atrophy and paralysis
- Enhances motor neuronal survival
- Stabilizes neuromuscular junctions
Insulin
- Caloric restriction increases lifespan partly via reduction of IGF-1, insulin, and glucose
- Metformin extends lifespan and inhibits carcinogenesis in rodents
- Regulation of glucose metabolism
- Required for noxious light avoidance
- Regulation of adipocyte biology (glucose transport, triglyceride synthesis, inhibition of lipolysis)
How People Use It
Reported routines — research only, not medical advice.
IGF-1
- SubQ — 25 μg kg−1 •hr−1
Insulin
- SubQ — Once a week, on the same day each week
- SubQ — Once a day
- SubQ — Adjusted according to the individual patient’s blood glucose levels
- SubQ — 0.3 to 1.0 international units (IU) per kilogram body weight per day
- SubQ — 0.5 to 1.0 units per kilogram body weight per day
- SubQ — Once a week, on the same day each week. Dose adjusted based on blood glucose levels.
- SubQ — Individualized dose, injected once or twice a day
- SubQ — Individualized dose, injected once or twice a day at mealtimes
- SubQ — Individualized based on blood glucose testing
- SubQ — 0.5 to 1.0 units per kilogram body weight per day
- SubQ — 0.5 to 1.0 units per kilogram body weight per day
- SubQ — 0.3 to 1.0 international units (IU) per kilogram body weight per day
- Topical — 100 per 30 days
- SubQ — 100ml
- SubQ — Single-dose (Phase 1 PK/Safety study)
- SubQ — Single subcutaneous dose
- SubQ — Varies (Long-term treatment)
- SubQ — 0.25–0.5 units per kilogram of body weight
- — daily
- SubQ — $25 for a single 10 mL vial and $35 for 2 to 4 vials in a month
- SubQ — $35 per 30-day supply
- SubQ — $35 per month supply
- SubQ — $25-per-vial list price
- SubQ — $25 per vial
The Evidence
Key studies — click through to verify each on PubMed.
IGF-1
12 sourced studies
- Source
Mechano growth factor, a splice variant of IGF-1, promotes neurogenesis in the aging mouse brain.
2017 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Hybrid receptors formed by insulin receptor (IR) and insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF-IR) have low insulin and high IGF-1 affinity irrespective of the IR splice variant.
2006 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
The nutritional quality of an infant food from quinoa and its effect on the plasma level of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in undernourished children.
2002 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
IGF-1 has plaque-stabilizing effects in atherosclerosis by altering vascular smooth muscle cell phenotype.
2011 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Insulin
294 sourced studies
- Source
A peptidomimetic targeting white fat causes weight loss and improved insulin resistance in obese monkeys
95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and especially IGF-I variants are anabolic in dexamethasone-treated rats.
1992 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Insulin/insulin-like growth factor I hybrid receptors have different biological characteristics depending on the insulin receptor isoform involved.
2002 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology → - Source
Signal transduction of the GLP-1-receptor cloned from a human insulinoma.
1994 95/100Rated 95/100Source typePeer-reviewed studyIndependent sourcesstill being verifiedEvery claim links to the page it came from, and stronger sources rate higher. Full methodology →
Decision Guide
How to Choose
Neither is a “winner” — they suit different goals. Compare the documented benefits and evidence above against what you’re actually trying to achieve, note the research status (approved vs research-stage), and read each full guide before deciding. Many people also stack peptides rather than pick one.
Source IGF-1
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