A few years ago, I met a woman whose blood sugar numbers looked perfectly normal—yet she couldn’t shake stubborn belly weight and mid-afternoon crashes. Her fasting insulin test finally explained it: her pancreas was working overtime long before her glucose levels budged.
That’s the power of fasting insulin. It can reveal hidden insulin resistance years before a glucose test or A1c shows a problem.
Insulin is the hormone that moves glucose (sugar) from your blood into your cells for energy.
A fasting insulin blood test measures how much of this hormone is circulating after you’ve fasted at least eight hours.
Low insulin may mean the pancreas isn’t producing enough.
High fasting insulin suggests your body is becoming resistant to insulin’s signal—a key step toward prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Think of it as checking the engine before the warning light comes on. Elevated fasting insulin can:
Show up 5–10 years before fasting glucose rises.
Drive weight gain (especially belly fat) and blood sugar spikes.
Disrupt hormones like cortisol and thyroid, creating fatigue and cravings.
Increase risk for insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and PCOS.
Reference ranges vary, but many clinicians use:
Optimal: 2–8 μIU/mL
Early insulin resistance: 9–19 μIU/mL
High: 20+ μIU/mL
⚠️ Always review your fasting insulin results with a qualified healthcare provider.
Nutrition & meal timing (balanced macros, late-night eating)
Sleep quality—even one short night can spike insulin
Stress & cortisol levels
Physical activity—both too little and over-training
Hormonal changes (thyroid, menopause, PCOS)
Medications such as steroids or certain blood pressure drugs
Simple, steady habits go a long way:
Balanced meals with protein, fiber, and healthy fats
Daily movement—a 10-minute walk after meals is powerful
Quality sleep (7–9 hours)
Stress management—breathwork, journaling, mindfulness
Morning sunlight to reset your circadian rhythm
Great option if you want a traditional lab draw without needing a doctor’s order for only $29.
Easy ordering, flexible lab locations, multiple testing options, and clear results.
Life Extension offers an easy-to-order fasting insulin blood test that gives you a clear picture of how well your body is managing insulin—perfect for pairing with fasting glucose to spot early signs of insulin resistance.
Affiliate Disclaimer: Some of the links above are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you. I only share lab options I genuinely trust and would recommend to my own patients, friends, and family.
Your fasting insulin level is just one piece of your metabolic picture. Pair it with fasting glucose, A1c, and lipid panels for a full view.
✨ Download my free What Spikes Me? Tracker to spot patterns between meals, stress, and glucose.
✨ Book a free 60-minute consultation so we can review your labs and create a personalized plan.
American Diabetes Association – Diagnosis & Tests
Mayo Clinic – Insulin Test Overview
MedlinePlus – Fasting Insulin Test
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