The hormone that moves glucose from blood into cells.
What it is
Fasting insulin reflects how hard the pancreas is working to control glucose. High levels with normal glucose can indicate insulin resistance long before glucose rises.
Why it matters
Insulin is interpreted with glucose and HbA1c, and only from a properly fasted sample; injected insulin invalidates the comparison to ranges.
This guide is educational only and cannot diagnose you. Discuss results, especially anything outside your laboratory’s reference interval, or that does not match how you feel, with a GP or other appropriately qualified clinician.
How it affects the body
It signals cells to take up glucose, store fat and build tissue.
For athletes
Insulin sensitivity responds strongly to training, sleep and body composition - a fasting insulin trend is one of the more actionable metabolic numbers.
