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Nüchterninsulin

Fasting Insulin · Insulin nüchtern

Stoffwechsel & GlukoseNüchtern erforderlichZeitabhängig
Einheit:
mIU/L
Abbreviation
Insulin fasting

Fasting insulin quantifies the concentration of insulin in the blood after a fasting period, reflecting the body's insulin production and sensitivity.

Reference Ranges

Reference
225mIU/L
2
10
25
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Optimal
Unit · mIU/L

Fasting required; ranges may vary slightly by lab.

Overview

Übersicht

Fasting insulin, also known as Nüchterninsulin, is a biomarker that measures the level of insulin in the blood after a period of fasting, typically 8-12 hours. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates glucose uptake and storage. This marker is crucial for assessing insulin sensitivity and the body's ability to manage blood glucose levels. Clinically, fasting insulin levels are significant in diagnosing and monitoring conditions like insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome. Elevated fasting insulin is often associated with obesity, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and certain psychiatric disorders such as depression. It can also indicate early stages of metabolic dysfunction before glucose levels become abnormal. In the context of athletic performance and biohacking, maintaining optimal insulin sensitivity is crucial for energy metabolism, muscle growth, and overall metabolic health. Athletes and biohackers often monitor fasting insulin to optimize their diet and exercise regimens for better performance and longevity. However, several factors can influence fasting insulin levels, including stress, sleep patterns, and recent physical activity. Therefore, it is essential to consider these confounders when interpreting results. Fasting is required for accurate measurement, and variations in time of day can affect insulin levels, necessitating consistent testing conditions.

Klinische Bedeutung

Elevated fasting insulin levels indicate insulin resistance, which can precede type 2 diabetes and is associated with metabolic syndrome. Low fasting insulin levels may suggest improved insulin sensitivity or, in rare cases, pancreatic insufficiency.

Dynamics

Trend Interpretation

Rising Values

Progressively rising values suggest worsening insulin resistance; re-test in 4-6 weeks if elevated.

Falling Values

Falling values may indicate improved insulin sensitivity or effective intervention.

Re-test Interval

4 weeks if outside optimal range

Etiology

Causes — High & Low

Cause

Elevated Levels

  • Insulin resistance
  • Obesity
  • PCOS
  • Type 2 diabetes
  • Atypical depression
Cause

Low Levels

  • Improved insulin sensitivity
  • Pancreatic insufficiency
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Chronic stress
Protocol

How to Optimize

Lever

Lifestyle

  • Regular physical activity
  • Weight management
  • Stress reduction
Lever

Nutrition

  • Low glycemic index diet
  • Balanced macronutrient intake
Lever

Supplementation

  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Vitamin D
  • Inositol

Note:

Consult a healthcare provider before starting new supplements, especially if on medication.

Testing Guidelines

🍽️Fasting Required
🕐Time-Sensitive

Insulin levels can vary throughout the day; morning tests are standard.

Testing Frequency

Annually for healthy adults, more frequently if managing metabolic conditions.

Interfering Factors

  • Recent intense exercise
  • Acute stress
  • Sleep deprivation

Related Peptides & Hormones

Glucose

Correlated with

hormone or peptide

Open Research Questions

Current research suggests that the relationship between fasting insulin levels and various psychiatric conditions, particularly depression, remains debated, particularly regarding reference ranges and the impact of confounding factors like obesity. Researchers have not yet established optimal targets for fasting insulin in metabolic disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and metabolic syndrome. Additionally, clinical questions remain unanswered regarding the long-term effects of dietary interventions on fasting insulin levels and their implications for treatment outcomes in these populations.

25 Research Publications

406

Total Citations

12

Human/RCT

2.1

Avg. Influence

2025

Latest

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#01

Insulin resistance in depression: A large meta-analysis of metabolic parameters and variation.

Meta-AnalysisInfluence2.0
143
This study examined the relationship between insulin resistance and depression. Researchers found that insulin levels and the HOMA-IR index were increased in individuals experiencing acute depression, but not during remission. They also noted that insulin resistance did not change with antidepressant treatment.
View on PubMed
#02

The effects of obesity on the menstrual cycle.

ReviewInfluence4.0
101
Researchers investigated the effects of obesity on the menstrual cycle in adolescent girls. They found that obesity is associated with earlier onset of puberty and menstrual irregularities, as well as higher fasting insulin levels. The study highlighted the need for lifestyle changes to mitigate long-term health risks.
View on PubMed
#03

Serum Thrombospondin-2 Levels Are Closely Associated With the Severity of Metabolic Syndrome and Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease.

Wu Xuerui, et al. · The Journal of clinical endocrinology and metabolism · 2022

HumanInfluence3.0
34
This study explored the association between serum thrombospondin-2 levels and metabolic syndrome severity. Researchers found that elevated thrombospondin-2 levels correlated with increased fasting insulin and other metabolic parameters. The study suggested that thrombospondin-2 could serve as a noninvasive biomarker for identifying at-risk metabolic conditions.

Key findings

  1. 01Researchers observed that serum thrombospondin-2 levels were significantly higher in individuals with metabolic syndrome compared to those without.
  2. 02The study found that elevated thrombospondin-2 levels were associated with increased severity of liver inflammation and damage.
  3. 03Researchers identified that high levels of this protein could help distinguish between benign fatty liver and more serious liver conditions in obese patients.
View on PubMed
#04

Tirzepatide Improved Markers of Islet Cell Function and Insulin Sensitivity in People With T2D (SURPASS-2).

HumanInfluence3.0
25
In a post hoc analysis of the SURPASS-2 trial, researchers found that tirzepatide significantly improved markers of insulin sensitivity and β-cell function compared to semaglutide. They observed greater reductions in fasting insulin and HOMA-IR with tirzepatide treatment. HbA1c and body weight reductions were also more pronounced with tirzepatide.
View on PubMed
#05

The influence of diabetes and or periodontitis on inflammation and adiponectin level.

Human
24
This study examined the effects of diabetes and periodontitis on inflammation and adiponectin levels. Researchers found that individuals with diabetes and periodontitis had lower adiponectin levels compared to those with periodontitis alone. The study highlights the complex interplay between chronic hyperglycemia and systemic inflammation.
View on PubMed
#06

Effects of nutrition on metabolic and endocrine outcomes in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: an umbrella review of meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials.

ReviewInfluence1.0
20
This umbrella review summarized the effects of nutritional interventions on women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Researchers found that certain dietary modifications improved metabolic outcomes, including reductions in fasting insulin levels. However, no high-certainty evidence was found that diets alone improved health or reproductive outcomes.
View on PubMed
#07

The Gut Microbiota-Insulin Resistance Axis: Mechanisms, Clinical Implications, and Therapeutic Potential.

Review
13
This narrative review examined the role of gut microbiota in insulin resistance. Researchers found that gut dysbiosis affects fasting insulin levels and insulin sensitivity through various metabolites. The study suggests that microbiota-targeted strategies could potentially modulate metabolic pathways related to insulin resistance.
View on PubMed
#08

Proposal for fasting insulin and HOMA-IR reference intervals based on an extensive Brazilian laboratory database.

Human
8
Researchers aimed to establish reference intervals for fasting insulin and HOMA-IR in adults in Brazil. They found that the reference intervals for fasting insulin levels were 2.52-13.14 μU/mL, and for HOMA-IR, they were 0.39-2.86. The study highlights the importance of accurate reference values for diagnosing insulin resistance.
View on PubMed
#09

Effects of physical exercise on body fat and laboratory biomarkers in cancer patients: a meta-analysis of 35 randomized controlled trials.

Meta-AnalysisInfluence1.0
7
This meta-analysis examined the effects of physical exercise on laboratory biomarkers in cancer patients. Researchers found that physical exercise significantly reduced fasting insulin levels and insulin resistance, alongside improvements in body weight and inflammatory markers. The results support the role of exercise in enhancing metabolic health in cancer patients.
View on PubMed
#10

Prevalence and Predictive Clinical Characteristics of Metabolically Healthy Obesity in Obese Children and Adolescents.

Human
7
This study assessed the prevalence of metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) in obese children and adolescents. Researchers found that lower fasting insulin levels and a lower HOMA-IR index were associated with the MHO phenotype, indicating that some obese youth may not exhibit metabolic dysfunction.
View on PubMed

Publication Trend

Research publications about Nüchterninsulin over time

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