Insulin
The hormone that regulates blood sugar by helping cells absorb glucose. High fasting insulin indicates insulin resistance.
What is Insulin?
Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas that allows cells to absorb glucose from your bloodstream. When you eat carbohydrates, blood sugar rises, triggering insulin release to shuttle glucose into cells for energy or storage.
When this system malfunctions — cells stop responding to insulin — you develop insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes.
Normal Ranges (Fasting)
| Fasting Insulin | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 2–12 µIU/mL | Normal |
| 12–25 µIU/mL | Elevated (insulin resistance likely) |
| Above 25 µIU/mL | High (significant insulin resistance) |
Optimal fasting insulin is often considered below 8 µIU/mL.
Why It Matters
Early Diabetes Detection
Insulin resistance precedes high blood sugar by years. Fasting insulin can detect metabolic problems before glucose or HbA1c become abnormal.
HOMA-IR Calculation
Fasting insulin and glucose are used to calculate HOMA-IR, a measure of insulin resistance.
PCOS Diagnosis
Insulin resistance is central to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Elevated insulin drives many PCOS symptoms.
What Causes High Insulin
- Insulin resistance
- Obesity (especially abdominal)
- High refined carbohydrate diet
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Chronic stress
- Insulinoma (rare insulin-producing tumor)
How to Improve Insulin Sensitivity
- Reduce refined carbohydrates
- Exercise regularly — Both cardio and strength training
- Lose excess weight
- Improve sleep quality
- Manage stress
Related Biomarkers
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