# Insulin (Fasting)

> 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 e

*Source: [https://www.health3.app/biomarkers/insulinfas](https://www.health3.app/biomarkers/insulinfas)*

### On This Page

- What it measures
- Measurement units
- Reference ranges
- Health impact
- Related biomarkers
- Scientific references

## What is Insulin (Fasting)?

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.

## Measurement Units

Insulin (Fasting) can be measured in: mIU/L, pmol/L, µIU/mL, µU/mL, mU/L

## Reference Ranges by Age and Gender

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 |

## Related Biomarkers

- [**Free Serum Cortisol**](https://www.health3.app/biomarkers/cortisol_free_serum)

 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].
- [**Blood Glucose**](https://www.health3.app/biomarkers/bloodgluco)

 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]

## Related tools

- [**HOMA-IR Reference Tool**](https://www.health3.app/tools/homa-ir-calculator)
- [**Fasting Timer for Blood Tests**](https://www.health3.app/tools/fasting-timer)
- [**Blood Test Unit Converter**](https://www.health3.app/tools/blood-test-unit-converter)

## Academic References

1. Goldberg IJ. Clinical review 124: Diabetic dyslipidemia: causes and consequences (2001). *J Clin Endocrinol Metab*. [DOI: 10.1210/jcem.86.3.7304](https://doi.org/10.1210/jcem.86.3.7304)
2. Adam TC, Goran MI, Hasson RE, Lane CJ, Le KA, Mahurkar S, Toledo-Corral C, Ventura EE, and Weigensberg MJ. Cortisol is negatively associated with insulin sensitivity in overweight Latino youth (2010). *J Clin Endocrinol Metab*. [DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-0322](https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2010-0322)
3. Kahn CR and Saltiel AR. Insulin signalling and the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism (2001). *Nature*. [DOI: 10.1038/414799a](https://doi.org/10.1038/414799a)
4. Kronenberg HM, Larsen PR, Melmed S, and Polonsky KS. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology (2016). *Williams Textbook of Endocrinology*.
5. Liao MT, Lu KC, Sung CC, and Wu CC. Role of vitamin D in insulin resistance (2012). *J Biomed Biotechnol*. [DOI: 10.1155/2012/634195](https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/634195)
6. Friedrich N, Jørgensen T, Juul A, Linneberg A, Spielhagen C, Thuesen B, and Wallaschofksi H. The association between IGF-I and insulin resistance: a general population study in Danish adults (2012). *Diabetes Care*. [DOI: 10.2337/dc11-1833](https://doi.org/10.2337/dc11-1833)
7. Sonksen P. H.. Insulin: understanding its action in health and disease (2000). *British Journal of Anaesthesia*. [DOI: 10.1093/bja/85.1.69](https://doi.org/10.1093/bja/85.1.69)
8. Wilcox G.. Insulin and Insulin Resistance (2005). *Clin Biochem Rev*. [View Source](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1204764/)
9. Daimon M, Kageyama K, Kamba A, Matsuhashi Y, Matsuki K, Murakami H, Nakaji S, Otaka H, Sato E, Takahashi I, Takayasu S, Tanabe J, Terui K, Tokuda I, and Yanagimachi M. Association between Higher Serum Cortisol Levels and Decreased Insulin Secretion in a General Population (2016). *PLoS One*. [DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0166077](https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0166077)
10. Kahn CR and Saltiel AR. Insulin signalling and the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism (2001). *Nature*. [DOI: 10.1038/414799a](https://doi.org/10.1038/414799a)
11. Adgi Z., Mohamadi M., and Talaei A.. The effect of vitamin D on insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes (2013). *Diabetol Metab Syndr*. [DOI: 10.1186/1758-5996-5-8](https://doi.org/10.1186/1758-5996-5-8)
12. Luger A, Schernthaner-Reiter MH, Vila G, and Wolf P. The Interaction of Insulin and Pituitary Hormone Syndromes (2021). *Front Endocrinol (Lausanne)*. [DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.626427](https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2021.626427)

### ⚠️ Important Medical Information

This reference page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Reference ranges vary between laboratories. Always review your lab results with a qualified healthcare provider.