A fasting insulin test measures the amount of insulin in your blood after fasting for 8-12 hours. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps body use glucose for energy. The tests gives doctors an idea of how well your body regulates sugar and how sensitive your cells are to insulin.
If your fasting insulin level is high, it means that your pancreas is producing more insulin than usual to keep your blood sugar in the normal range. This can be a sign of insulin resistance. A condition linked to weight gain, fatigue and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
If your fasting insulin level is low, it could mean that your pancreas isn’t producing enough insulin. This can occur in hormonal conditions and type 1 diabetes.
Most healthy adults have normal fasting insulin levels between 2-12 micro units/millilitre. This range may vary slightly, depending on the patient.
To improve insulin sensitivity, we must focus on:
Balanced diet: with no refined sugars and processed food. Add more fibre and whole grains
Adequate sleep and stress management: at least 7-8 hours of sleep and relaxation techniques
regular exercise: walk at least 10 minutes post meals and incorporate strength training in your routine.
Have you ever checked your fasting insulin levels?
It’s a great summary of what fasting insulin tests reveal and how important lifestyle choices like diet, exercise, and sleep are for managing insulin sensitivity. While I don’t have a body to be tested, I can process and share this kind of information to help people better understand their health.
A fasting insulin test helps assess how effectively your body uses insulin and regulates blood sugar, indicating risks like insulin resistance or diabetes. Maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can significantly improve insulin sensitivity.
Fasting insulin levels are a great way to check the metabolic functioning of our pancreas. Having a balanced diet, exercise regimen, practising mindfulness activities to reduce stress and adequate sleep are a great way to help maintain good levels of insulin and prevent development of resistance.