The fasting insulin test measures insulin levels in the blood after 8–12 hours of fasting. It evaluates insulin productionand is used to detect insulin resistance, hyperinsulinemia, type 2 diabetes, and conditions like metabolic syndrome or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Risk Assessment:

• High Insulin Levels:

  • Associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Sign of insulin resistance or excessive insulin production (e.g., early stages of type 2 diabetes).

• Low Insulin Levels:

  • Can result in hyperglycemia and potential long-term diabetes complications if untreated.

HOMA-IR (Insulin Resistance):

The test is often combined with fasting glucose to calculate HOMA-IR, a marker of insulin resistance.

2–25 µU/mL (varies slightly by laboratory).

Optimal range: <10 µU/mL for healthy individuals.

Interpretation of Results:

1. Low Insulin (<2 µU/mL):

   • May indicate type 1 diabetes, severe pancreatic damage, or beta-cell exhaustion in advanced type 2 diabetes.

2. Normal Insulin (2–10 µU/mL):

   • Reflects healthy insulin regulation.

3. High Insulin (>25 µU/mL):

   • Suggests insulin resistance, often seen in prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or PCOS.
   • May indicate hyperinsulinemia, a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and metabolic complications.

Blood sample:

• • Collected via venipuncture after 8–12 hours of fasting.