What Is a Fasting Insulin Blood Test?
Fasting insulin measures how much insulin your pancreas produces to maintain normal blood sugar.
Normal Range
- Below 12 µIU/mL (some use below 10)
- Elevated = insulin resistance
HOMA-IR
- HOMA-IR = (fasting glucose × fasting insulin) ÷ 405
- Below 1.0 = optimal insulin sensitivity
- Above 2.5 = significant insulin resistance
Why Test Insulin?
- Detects insulin resistance BEFORE glucose rises
- Early marker of metabolic syndrome
- Guides lifestyle interventions
When to Test
- Family history of diabetes
- Obesity or PCOS
- Acanthosis nigricans (dark skin patches)
Source: American Diabetes Association, AACC.
Ratings summarize government-reported measures — they don't capture your personal needs. Visit the facility, ask about staffing and services, and use CMS checklists. This profile is informational only and is not a recommendation.
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