Fasting insulin on your report
Usually reported in microIU/mL (µIU/mL) alongside fasting glucose, and sometimes used to calculate HOMA-IR. Ranges differ from lab to lab, so read your result against the range printed on your own report.
Fasting insulin: the amount of insulin in your blood after an overnight fast.
What fasting insulin tells your doctor
A high fasting insulin can be an early warning of insulin resistance, even while your sugar results still look fine.
If your cells stop responding well to insulin, your pancreas makes more to keep sugar normal.
This matters a lot in:
- PCOS, where extra insulin can push the ovaries to make more male hormones
- stubborn weight gain around the waist
What moves your fasting insulin
Your body needs less insulin when your meals and muscles make its job easier.
These can all help bring it down:
- regular walking and some strength exercise
- meals that pair carbohydrates with protein and fibre
- fewer sugary snacks and drinks
- not grazing all day
Good sleep and managing stress matter too. If your doctor has prescribed medicine, keep taking it as advised while you work on food and habits.
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Checked against: MedlinePlus: Insulin in Blood Test. General information, not medical advice.
Related words
InsulinHOMA-IRInsulin resistancePCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)Fasting blood sugarPrediabetes
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