Insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, plays a crucial role in regulating blood glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells for energy. It also helps store glucose in the liver and muscles as glycogen for future use. Additionally, insulin aids in fat metabolism and protein synthesis. Balanced insulin levels are essential for maintaining stable blood glucose levels, which is vital for overall health and energy regulation.
Insulin deficiency, commonly seen in Type 1 diabetes, leads to elevated blood glucose levels (hyperglycemia) because glucose cannot effectively enter cells. This can result in symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue, and blurred vision. Over time, chronic hyperglycemia due to insulin deficiency can lead to serious complications, including nerve damage, kidney damage, heart disease, and vision problems. Insulin deficiency requires careful management, often including insulin therapy, to maintain normal blood glucose levels.
On the other hand, excessive insulin production or administration can cause hypoglycemia, where blood glucose levels drop too low. This can lead to symptoms such as sweating, trembling, dizziness, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness or seizures. Chronically high insulin levels, often associated with insulin resistance (a characteristic of Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome), can lead to weight gain, high blood pressure, and increased risk of heart disease. Monitoring and regulating insulin levels are key to preventing these health issues and maintaining metabolic health.
Insulin (Fasting) can be measured in: mIU/L, pmol/L, µIU/mL, µU/mL, mU/L
Reference ranges represent typical values for healthy individuals. Your healthcare provider must interpret your specific results.
| Age Range | Gender | Unit | Optimal | Normal | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All ages | All genders | mIU/L | - | 0 - 25 | Kronenberg, 2016 |
A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into tissues. Measuring insulin levels can help assess insulin resistance or insulin deficiency, both of which are key factors in diabetes. [Saltiel, 2001][Wilcox, 2005]
Cortisol increases blood glucose levels by promoting gluconeogenesis and inhibits insulin’s effects on glucose uptake in tissues. Chronic high cortisol levels can lead to insulin resistance[Adam, 2010][Kamba, 2016][Schernthaner-Reiter, 2021].
Insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas, facilitates the uptake of glucose into cells, thereby lowering blood glucose levels. This interaction is critical for maintaining energy homeostasis and disruptions can lead to diabetes mellitus.[Sonksen, 2000][Saltiel, 2001]
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