What is Fasting Insulin Level?
Fasting insulin level is a measure of the amount of insulin circulating in your blood after fasting for a certain period of time. It is an important marker that can help diagnose diabetes and other metabolic disorders. It is typically measured after an overnight fast or 8-12 hours of not eating or drinking anything other than water.
Why is Fasting Insulin Level Important?
Fasting insulin level is important because it helps to assess the risk of developing diabetes and other metabolic disorders. It can also be used to monitor how well current treatments are working. High fasting insulin levels may indicate insulin resistance, which is associated with an increased risk for developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
How is Fasting Insulin Level Measured?
Fasting insulin level is measured with a simple blood test. A doctor or nurse will take a sample of your blood and send it off to a laboratory for analysis. The results will show your fasting insulin levels in units per litre (U/L). A normal fasting insulin level should be less than 20 U/L.
What Are the Risk Factors for High Fasting Insulin Levels?
The risk factors for high fasting insulin levels include being overweight, having high blood pressure, smoking, having a family history of diabetes, and having an unhealthy diet. Of these, the most important risk factor is being overweight or obese. Other factors such as age, gender, ethnicity, and lifestyle may also play a role.
How Can High Fasting Insulin Levels Be Lowered?
High fasting insulin levels can be lowered by making lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet that is low in fat and sugar, quitting smoking, and managing stress. Weight loss through diet and exercise has been shown to be the most effective way to reduce fasting insulin levels.
Conclusion
Fasting insulin level is an important marker that can help diagnose diabetes and other metabolic disorders. High fasting insulin levels may indicate insulin resistance, which increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. Risk factors for high levels include being overweight or obese, having high blood pressure, smoking, having a family history of diabetes, and having an unhealthy diet. Making lifestyle changes such as exercising regularly and eating a healthy diet can help to lower high fasting insulin levels.