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Blutwerte · Marker
Nüchterninsulin
Fasting Insulin · Insulin nüchtern
Stoffwechsel & GlukoseNüchtern erforderlich
- Einheit:
- µU/mL
- Abbreviation
- Insulin fasting
Fasting insulin measures the concentration of insulin in the blood after a fasting period, reflecting insulin secretion and sensitivity.
Reference Ranges
Reference
2–25µU/mL
2
10
25
LowNormalHigh
Reference
Optimal
Unit · µU/mLFasting is required for accurate measurement. Reference ranges may vary slightly by laboratory.
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 into cells, thus playing a critical role in maintaining blood sugar levels. Researchers have found that fasting insulin levels are indicative of insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β-cell function. Clinically, elevated fasting insulin levels are associated with insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes, and are often observed in conditions such as obesity, metabolic syndrome, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Conversely, low fasting insulin levels may indicate improved insulin sensitivity or inadequate insulin production. For athletes and biohackers, maintaining optimal fasting insulin levels is crucial for metabolic efficiency, energy utilization, and overall health. It is also considered in longevity research as insulin resistance is linked to age-related diseases. However, fasting insulin levels can be influenced by various factors, including stress, recent physical activity, and dietary intake. Therefore, it is important to consider these confounders when interpreting results, and fasting is required for accurate measurement.
Klinische Bedeutung
Elevated fasting insulin levels indicate insulin resistance, which is a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Low fasting insulin levels suggest improved insulin sensitivity or potential pancreatic dysfunction.
Dynamics
Trend Interpretation
Rising Values
Progressively rising fasting insulin levels suggest worsening insulin resistance. Retest in 3-6 months to monitor changes.
Falling Values
Progressively falling fasting insulin levels may indicate improved insulin sensitivity or reduced pancreatic function.
Re-test Interval
6 months if outside optimal range
Etiology
Causes — High & Low
Cause
Elevated Levels
- Insulin resistance
- Obesity
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
- Metabolic syndrome
- Type 2 diabetes
Cause
Low Levels
- Improved insulin sensitivity
- Pancreatic insufficiency
- Hypopituitarism
- Addison's disease
- Low carbohydrate intake
Protocol
How to Optimize
Lever
Nutrition
- Low glycemic index diet
- Increased fiber intake
- Reduced sugar consumption
Lever
Supplementation
- Omega-3 fatty acids
- Probiotics
- Vitamin D
Note:
Consult a healthcare provider before starting any supplementation, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
Testing Guidelines
🍽️Fasting Required
✓Not Time-Sensitive
Insulin levels can vary with circadian rhythms; morning tests are preferred.
Testing Frequency
Annually for healthy adults, more frequently if monitoring metabolic conditions.
Interfering Factors
- Recent intense exercise
- Acute stress
- Medication use
Related Peptides & Hormones
Glucagon
hormone or peptideCorrelated with
Open Research Questions
Current research suggests that the relationship between fasting insulin levels and various psychiatric disorders, particularly depression, remains debated, especially regarding reference ranges and the impact of confounders such as obesity. Researchers have not yet established optimal targets for fasting insulin in metabolic syndrome and its associated conditions. Additionally, clinical questions remain unanswered regarding the long-term effects of dietary interventions on fasting insulin levels in populations with polycystic ovary syndrome and depression.
22 Research Publications
382
Total Citations
11
Human/RCT
2.0
Avg. Influence
2025
Latest
Sort
Filter
01Top
#01
Insulin resistance in depression: A large meta-analysis of metabolic parameters and variation.
Meta-AnalysisInfluence1.0
134
This meta-analysis examined the relationship between insulin resistance and depression across 70 studies with over 240,000 participants. Researchers found that insulin levels and the HOMA-IR index were elevated during acute depression, particularly in atypical depression, but did not change during remission. Additionally, insulin resistance remained unchanged with antidepressant treatment.
02Top
#02
The effects of obesity on the menstrual cycle.
UnknownInfluence4.0
97
This study explored the impact of obesity on the menstrual cycle in adolescents, highlighting how increased fasting insulin levels are associated with earlier onset of puberty and menstrual irregularities. Researchers noted that obesity is linked to higher rates of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and various menstrual disorders.
03Top
#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
33
Researchers investigated the association between serum thrombospondin-2 levels and metabolic syndrome (MetS) severity in individuals with obesity. They found that higher TSP2 levels correlated with increased fasting insulin and insulin resistance, suggesting its potential 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.
04
#04
Tirzepatide Improved Markers of Islet Cell Function and Insulin Sensitivity in People With T2D (SURPASS-2).
HumanInfluence3.0
24
In the SURPASS-2 trial, researchers observed that tirzepatide significantly improved markers of insulin sensitivity and β-cell function compared to semaglutide in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Notably, fasting insulin levels and HOMA2-IR showed greater reductions with tirzepatide, indicating enhanced metabolic outcomes.
05
#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.
06
#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
18
This umbrella review summarized various nutritional interventions for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Researchers found that certain dietary modifications and supplements, such as probiotics and omega-3 fatty acids, positively impacted fasting insulin levels and insulin resistance, although high-certainty evidence was lacking.
07
#07
The Gut Microbiota-Insulin Resistance Axis: Mechanisms, Clinical Implications, and Therapeutic Potential.
Review
12
This narrative review discussed the role of gut microbiota in insulin resistance. Researchers observed that gut dysbiosis affects fasting insulin levels and insulin resistance, and highlighted the potential of microbiota-targeted strategies, such as dietary fiber and probiotics, to improve metabolic health.
08
#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.
09
#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.
10
#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.
Publication Trend
Research publications about Nüchterninsulin over time
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