Insulin: What It Means for Your Health
Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas. Its primary role is to facilitate the uptake of glucose from the blood into cells for energy. Fasting insulin is measured after 8-12 hours without eating and can reveal insulin resistance (where the body needs more insulin to maintain normal glucose) long before blood sugar itself becomes abnormal. It is an early marker of metabolic dysfunction.
Reference Range
Reference ranges may vary between laboratories, age groups, and sexes. The values shown are general adult reference ranges. Always compare your results to the specific range provided by your testing laboratory.
What Is Insulin?
Insulin is a hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas. Its primary role is to facilitate the uptake of glucose from the blood into cells for energy. Fasting insulin is measured after 8-12 hours without eating and can reveal insulin resistance (where the body needs more insulin to maintain normal glucose) long before blood sugar itself becomes abnormal. It is an early marker of metabolic dysfunction.
Commonly included in:
What Does High Insulin Mean?
Elevated fasting insulin (hyperinsulinemia) is the hallmark of insulin resistance and often precedes type 2 diabetes by years. It is associated with metabolic syndrome, obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and increased cardiovascular risk. High insulin also promotes fat storage and makes weight loss more difficult.
What Does Low Insulin Mean?
Low insulin may indicate type 1 diabetes (autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells), advanced type 2 diabetes (beta cell exhaustion), or pancreatic insufficiency. It can also occur with hypopituitarism or prolonged fasting.
Related Biomarkers in Metabolic Panel
Track Your Insulin Over Time
Upload your blood test results to Hemoly and see how your Insulin levels change over time. Get trend analysis, educational insights, and a personal health timeline.
Download Hemoly for iOSMedical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for interpretation of your blood test results and before making any health decisions.