Insulin

Researched

Fasting Insulin

Metabolic • Last tested 2026-01-28

What It Measures

The amount of insulin hormone produced by the pancreas, measured after 8-12 hours of fasting.

Fasting insulin is one of the earliest markers of metabolic dysfunction. It rises years before glucose becomes abnormal, making it a critical early warning sign for insulin resistance.

Current Value

18.6uIU/mL
Reference Range: 219 uIU/mL(standard)
Optimal Range: 28 uIU/mL(Function Health, LabCorp, Quest Diagnostics)
High
+2.4 (+14.8%) from previous test
2 uIU/mLOptimal: 2819 uIU/mL

What High Means

Elevated fasting insulin (hyperinsulinemia) is the hallmark of insulin resistance and a precursor to type 2 diabetes. It also drives inflammation, fat storage, and cardiovascular risk.

Possible Symptoms

Weight gain (especially abdominal), difficulty losing weight, sugar cravings, fatigue after meals, skin tags, acanthosis nigricans

What Low Means

Very low insulin may indicate type 1 diabetes, late-stage type 2 diabetes (pancreatic burnout), or very low carbohydrate intake.

Possible Symptoms

Weight loss, frequent urination, excessive thirst (if T1D)

Risk Factors

Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, NAFLD, PCOS, cancer risk

Actionable Advice

Supplements

  • Berberine
  • Chromium
  • Magnesium
  • Inositol
  • Alpha-lipoic acid

Diet & Lifestyle

  • Reduce refined carbohydrates and sugar
  • Resistance training (builds insulin-sensitive muscle)
  • Time-restricted eating / intermittent fasting
  • Prioritize protein at every meal
  • Walk after meals (lowers post-meal insulin)
  • Get adequate sleep

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Historical Trend

Reference
Optimal
Last researched Feb 14, 2026

All Readings

DateValueChange
2026-01-2818.6 uIU/mL+2.4
2025-08-2516.2 uIU/mL