Insulin Potentiation Therapy (IPT)

Dr. Rev. Isabel Sharkar

Dr. Isabel Sharkar, NMD, is co-founder of Indigo Integrative Health Clinic in Washington, D.C., a thriving clinic that has been serving the local community in health restoration and body optimization for over a decade. Being in constant pursuit for truth and healing Dr. Isabel graduated in 2011 from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine as a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine.

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By Caroline Hoeffgen, COO, BCHC, JD | Reviewed by Dr. Isabel Sharkar, NMD | May 2026

Insulin Potentiation Therapy (IPT) is an alternative cancer treatment that has gained popularity in recent years. The treatment involves using insulin to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs, and it's often used as an alternative to traditional chemotherapy. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at IPT, how it works, and its potential benefits and risks.How Does IPT Work?Insulin Potentiation Therapy works by using insulin to lower a patient's blood sugar levels. Once the patient's blood sugar levels are low, chemotherapy drugs are administered. The idea behind IPT is that cancer cells are more susceptible to chemotherapy when the patient's blood sugar levels are low. The insulin also helps to target cancer cells specifically, as they have more insulin receptors than normal cells.During IPT, the patient is given a small dose of insulin, which causes their blood sugar levels to drop. After about 30 minutes, the patient is given a low dose of chemotherapy drugs, which are more effective due to the low blood sugar levels.

Benefits of IPT

One of the main benefits of Insulin Potentiation Therapy is that it can be more effective than traditional chemotherapy. By using insulin to target cancer cells specifically, IPT can potentially reduce the amount of chemotherapy drugs needed, which can reduce the side effects associated with chemotherapy. Additionally, because the chemotherapy drugs are more effective when blood sugar levels are low, IPT can potentially be more successful at killing cancer cells.Another benefit of IPT is that it's a non-invasive treatment that doesn't require surgery. Patients can receive IPT in an outpatient setting, and the treatment is usually well-tolerated.

Risks of IPT

Like any cancer treatment, Insulin Potentiation Therapy comes with potential risks and side effects. Some of the side effects of IPT can include low blood sugar levels, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Additionally, because IPT is an alternative cancer treatment, it's not widely accepted by the medical community. Some doctors may be hesitant to recommend IPT because of the lack of awareness and education on this modality.It's also important to note that IPT is not a cure for cancer. While it can be an effective treatment option for some patients, it's not a guarantee that the cancer will be cured.

Conclusion

Insulin Potentiation Therapy is an alternative cancer treatment that has gained popularity in recent years. The treatment uses insulin to enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs, and it's often used as an alternative to traditional chemotherapy. While IPT has potential benefits, it's important to weigh the risks and benefits before starting any new cancer treatment. It's also important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.

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Medical Disclaimer

This content is provided by Indigo Integrative Health Clinic for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation, and does not establish a provider-patient relationship. Individual health conditions vary — information presented here may not apply to your specific situation. Always consult a qualified, licensed healthcare provider before making decisions about your health, medications, supplements, or treatment plan.

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