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- Stress reduction
- Adequate sleep
Blutwerte · Marker
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 an overnight fast.
Reference Ranges
Reference
2.6–24.9mIU/L
2.6
2
10
24.9
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Optimal
Unit · mIU/LRanges may vary slightly by laboratory; fasting is required for accurate assessment.
Overview
Übersicht
Fasting insulin, also known as Nüchterninsulin, is a biomarker that measures the level of insulin in the blood after an overnight fast. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates glucose levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells. This test is crucial for assessing insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β-cell function. Clinically, fasting insulin is significant in diagnosing and managing conditions like type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Elevated fasting insulin levels are often indicative of insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes, and are associated with obesity and cardiovascular diseases. In athletes and biohackers, fasting insulin levels can be used to optimize metabolic health and improve performance by tailoring dietary and exercise interventions. However, fasting insulin levels can be influenced by various factors, including stress, recent physical activity, and medications. Therefore, it is essential to consider these confounders when interpreting results. Testing should be done in a fasting state, ideally in the morning, to ensure accuracy and comparability of results.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated fasting insulin levels suggest insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Low fasting insulin levels may indicate pancreatic β-cell dysfunction or hypoglycemia.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising fasting insulin levels suggest worsening insulin resistance. Re-test in 3 months if rising.
Falling Values
Falling levels may indicate improved insulin sensitivity or potential hypoglycemia.
Re-test Interval
3 months if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Insulin resistance
- Obesity
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cushing's syndrome
- Hyperthyroidism
Cause
Low Levels
- Hypoglycemia
- Pancreatic β-cell dysfunction
- Addison's disease
- Hypopituitarism
- Severe liver disease
- Malnutrition
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Low glycemic index foods
- High fiber diet
- Reduced sugar intake
- Balanced macronutrient distribution
Lever
Supplementation
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Magnesium
- Chromium
- Berberine
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation, especially if on medication.
Testing Guidelines
🍽️Fasting Required
🕐Time-Sensitive
Insulin levels can vary throughout the day; morning fasting levels are most reliable.
Testing Frequency
Annually for healthy adults, more frequently if managing diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
Interfering Factors
- Recent intense exercise
- Acute stress
- Certain medications
Related Peptides & Hormones
Igf 1
hormoneCorrelated with
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that while fasting insulin levels are associated with various psychiatric and metabolic conditions, reference ranges and optimal targets for different populations remain debated. Researchers have not yet established the impact of confounding factors such as obesity and medication on insulin resistance in diverse cohorts. Additionally, clinical questions regarding the role of fasting insulin in treatment selection for depression and its predictive value in metabolic subtypes remain unanswered.
47 Research Publications
599
Total Citations
26
Human/RCT
2.3
Avg. Influence
2025
Latest
Sort
Filter
01Top
#01
Insulin resistance in depression: A large meta-analysis of metabolic parameters and variation.
Meta-AnalysisInfluence2.0
153
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. Additionally, insulin resistance did not change with antidepressant treatment, suggesting a potential clinical utility for assessing insulin resistance in diagnosing metabolic subtypes of depression.
02Top
#02
The effects of obesity on the menstrual cycle.
HumanInfluence4.0
104
This study investigated the impact of obesity on the menstrual cycle in adolescents. Researchers found that obesity is associated with earlier onset of puberty and irregular menstrual cycles, as well as increased fasting insulin levels. The study highlights the hormonal changes linked to obesity that may affect menstrual health.
03Top
#03
Relationship Between Type 2 Diabetes and White Matter Hyperintensity: A Systematic Review.
ReviewInfluence4.0
93
This systematic review examined the relationship between type 2 diabetes and white matter hyperintensities in the brain. Researchers found that insulin resistance and fasting insulin levels were significantly associated with the presence of white matter hyperintensities, suggesting that metabolic factors may contribute to cognitive decline in diabetes.
04
#04
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
- 01Researchers observed that serum thrombospondin-2 levels were significantly higher in individuals with metabolic syndrome compared to those without.
- 02The study found that elevated thrombospondin-2 levels were associated with increased severity of liver inflammation and damage.
- 03Researchers identified that high levels of this protein could help distinguish between benign fatty liver and more serious liver conditions in obese patients.
05
#05
Insulin Resistance is Associated with Central Pain in Patients with Fibromyalgia.
HumanInfluence3.0
27
This study investigated the association between insulin resistance and fibromyalgia. Researchers found that patients with fibromyalgia exhibited significant insulin resistance, as indicated by elevated HbA1c and other markers, suggesting a potential link between metabolic dysfunction and chronic pain conditions.
06
#06
Tirzepatide Improved Markers of Islet Cell Function and Insulin Sensitivity in People With T2D (SURPASS-2).
HumanInfluence3.0
26
This study explored the effects of tirzepatide on insulin sensitivity and β-cell function in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Researchers found that tirzepatide significantly improved markers of insulin sensitivity compared to semaglutide, with greater reductions in HOMA2-IR and increases in HOMA2-B. The findings suggest that tirzepatide may be more effective in managing insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes.
07
#07
Homoarginine supplementation improves blood glucose in diet-induced obese mice.
Animal
25
This study explored the effects of L-homoarginine supplementation on blood glucose levels in obese mice. Researchers found that supplementation significantly reduced blood glucose levels and affected fasting insulin concentrations, indicating a potential link between hArg levels and metabolic parameters in obesity.
08
#08
The influence of diabetes and or periodontitis on inflammation and adiponectin level.
Unknown
24
Researchers observed that individuals with diabetes and periodontitis had lower adiponectin levels compared to those with periodontitis alone. The study indicates that chronic hyperglycemia may alter adipocytokine levels, affecting inflammation and metabolic health.
09
#09
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
21
Researchers summarized the effects of nutritional interventions on women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). They found that certain dietary modifications and supplements significantly reduced fasting insulin levels and improved metabolic outcomes, although high-certainty evidence for dietary changes alone was lacking.
10
#10
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.
Publication Trend
Research publications about Nüchterninsulin over time
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