What Is A Normal Fasting Insulin Level

How To Lower Insulin Levels

Low insulin level can be mended by taking insulin injection. But cases of excessive insulin level are common and hard to deal with, so we will further talk about lowering and maintaining normal insulin levels.

1. Change Your Diet

To lower your levels of insulin, try eating more dark green vegetables and whole-grain foods rich in fiber. Avoid alcohol and anything containing refined sugar or trans-fats. Patients who followed these guidelines had decreased fasting insulin levels and female patients had lowered insulin resistance. For men, reducing the waist circumference may have a role in decreasing blood insulin levels and insulin resistance.

2. Lower Your Glycemic Index

Exercise can enhance insulin-mediated uptake of glucose into muscle tissue, and therefore reduce the body’s need for insulin. Physical activity is particularly effective when combined with a low glycemic index diet, which can also reduce the body’s insulin requirements. The glycemic index measures the effect of a particular food on blood glucose levels. One study showed that obese older adults with prediabetes lost weight and decreased their blood insulin after both exercising and eating low-GI food.

3. Take Some Medication

How Insulin Resistance Develops

Researches have yet to indicate a single cause of insulin resistance; however, a diet rich in sugar and processed carbohydrates may be to blame. When you eat a meal rich in carbohydrates, sugar rapidly enters your bloodstream and a rush of insulin follows. If sugar continues to enter your bloodstream, your pancreas will continually release insulin; but your pancreas cant keep that up forever.;

Alcohol and caffeine, and soda are also culprits that can increase your blood sugar levels. And so can too little exercise, poor sleep patterns, and elevated stress levels.;

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Recap: What You Need To Know About The Fasting Insulin Test

• Blood sugar conditions take years to develop, and most standard tests fail to detect the signs of pre-pre-diabetes.
• The fasting insulin test can help you detect insulin resistance early.
• Optimal insulin levels are below 8.
• You want optimal levels, not just normal or high-normal levels.
• While genetics can play a role, lifestyle changes can often prevent insulin problems.
• Diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management all play key roles in keeping insulin levels balanced.
• Studies have shown that working with a Health Coach like those at Knew significantly helped people manage chronic conditions, like blood sugar issues.

Do you need help with a blood sugar issue? Or do you suspect you may be at risk for developing such a condition? If so, we encourage you to reach out to your healthcare provider.

Visit our Services page to learn more about how Knew Health can empower you to be more proactive with your health. We provide you with the resources you need to reach and maintain your optimal, individual wellness, and we have your back when unexpected accidents and illnesses happen.

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Data And Statistical Analysis

A total of 207 overweight and obese adolescents participate in the study. However, only 173 successfully completed all the study procedures. Statistical analysis was performed on the 173 adolescents using Stata version 14.1 , and p values of 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Weights were applied to samples to correct for unequal selection probabilities and non-responses because of multi-stage sampling. Complex sample univariate analysis was performed on weighted data to provide descriptive statistics . The parameters were tested for normal distribution using the Kolmogrov-Smirnov test and those that deviated from a normal distribution were log transformed for regression analysis. The variables that required log transformation include BMI, fasting insulin, HOMA-IR and physical fitness score.

Demographic characteristics between boys and girls were compared using Students t-test for normally distributed parameters and the Mann-Whitney U test for non-normally distributed parameters. The relationship between the variables of interest with fasting insulin and HOMA-IR were examined using Pearsons correlation analysis for normally distributed variables and Spearmans rank correlation analysis for non-normally distributed variables. In addition, the complex sample general linear model was used to determine the association between log-transformed fasting insulin, HOMA-IR and the cardiovascular risk factors with analyses adjusted for the covariates mentioned.

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What Is Fasting Insulin

Fasting insulin is the name given to a diagnostic test which is used to measure the amount of insulin in blood. As mentioned before insulin is very much important for utilization of blood glucose and hence maintaining rights levels of it. In absence of insulin a condition called hyperglycemia usually occurs. So determining correct levels of insulin in blood is necessary so as to evaluate what exactly is the condition.

What Are Normal Insulin Levels

Your insulin levels will be typically measured in micro units per milliliter . However, experts often disagree on what should be the “ideal” levels of glucose.

According to Health Central, the levels should be about 10-20 mcU/ml, while a Dr. Mercola says the normal levels should be under 5 mcU/ml. However, according to;Stephen Guyenet, a researcher from University of Washington, the average blood insulin levels in the American population are 8.4 mIU/ml for women and 8.6 mIU/ml for men, but given the prevalence of obesity and metabolic disorders in the US, the ideal level is probably between 2-6 mcU/ml.

Insulin levels are often assessed after fast for some time. One study, carried out in Arizona, found that women who had a fasting insulin level of 8 mcU/ml were more than twice as likely to develop prediabetes as those with 5 mcU/ml insulin levels. Women with 25 mcU/ml fasting insulin level had over 5 times the risk of prediabetes than women with 5 mcU/ml insulin level.

Of course, the amount of insulin in the bloodstream will fluctuate in accordance with the levels of glucose. For more information on this, read the table below :

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Fasting Blood Glucose Test

A fasting blood glucose test will show your fasting blood sugar level. Youd have this test done after not eating or drinking for at least 8 hours.

A high level may require a second test a few days later to confirm the reading. If both tests show elevated levels of blood glucose, your doctor may diagnose you with prediabetes or diabetes.

• Fasting blood sugar levels under 100 milligrams/deciliter are considered normal.
• Levels between 100 and 125 mg/dL indicate prediabetes.
• Levels equal to or greater than 126 mg/dL are diagnostic for diabetes.

Depending on the lab, these numbers could vary up to 3 mg/dL points in the cutoff numbers.

Who Is Most At Risk For Developing Diabetes

The following categories of people are considered “high-risk” candidates for developing diabetes:

• Individuals who are overweight or obese
• Individuals who are 45 years of age or older
• Individuals with first-degree relatives with diabetes
• Individuals who are African-American, Alaska Native, American Indian, Asia American, Hispanic/Latino, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islanders,
• Women who developed diabetes while they were pregnant or gave birth to large babies
• Individuals with high blood pressure
• Individuals with high-density lipoprotein below 25 mg/dl or triglyceride levels at or above 250 mg/dl
• Individuals who have impaired fasting glucose or impaired glucose tolerance
• Individuals who are physically inactive; engaging in exercise less than three times a week
• Individuals who have polycystic ovary syndrome, also called PCOS
• Individuals who have acanthosis nigricans — dark, thick and velvety skin around your neck or armpits

In addition to testing the above individuals at high risk, the American Diabetes Association also recommends screening all individuals age 45 and older.

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Are Bananas Good For Diabetics

Bananas are a safe and nutritious fruit for people with diabetes to eat in moderation as part of a balanced, individualized diet plan. A person with diabetes should include fresh, plant food options in the diet, such as fruits and vegetables. Bananas provide plenty of nutrition without adding many calories.

My Fasting Insulin Test

Doctors dont routinely test for fasting insulin; they normally do so only if they suspect diabetes.

Ive had a few tests of fasting blood glucose that were high, in the range of 100 to 110. Thats an odd result, because I eat a low-carbohydrate diet and lift weights, and have a body fat percentage that I dont know exactly but is likely <15%.

Its probably due to the so-called dawn phenomenon, or physiological insulin resistance, which is normal. When on a low-carbohydrate diet, the liver can become insulin resistant in order to make glucose for the rest of the body. To be honest, the causes of the dawn phenomenon are not fully elucidated, and experts give varying explanations. But the fact is that many people who eat low-carb report it.

Another reason for a high fasting glucose can be stress and cortisol; if you go for a blood draw on a morning when youre rushing off to work, for instance, that could elevate your glucose.

Not being clear on whether I should be concerned about my high fasting glucose, I decided to get a fasting insulin test from;Life Extension.

Result: 2.9;µIU/ml. Normal range is 2.6 to 24.9. ;Ideal is <3. The odds ratio for prediabetes rises sharply with increased fasting insulin.

My result was close to ideal. I think Im going to live another few years.

If you do have a high fasting insulin, then you need to get to work. Below are relative risks of hypertension, high triglycerides, and diabetes based on fasting insulin levels.

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How Do I Prepare For The Plasma Glucose Level Test And How Are The Results Interpreted

To get an accurate plasma glucose level, you must have fasted for at least 8 hours prior to the test. When you report to the clinic or laboratory, a small sample of blood will be taken from a vein in your arm. According to the practice recommendations of the American Diabetes Association, the results of the blood test are interpreted as follows:

Fasting blood glucose level

• If your blood glucose level is 70 to 99* mg/dL . . .
• What it means: Your glucose level is within the normal range

*Values between 50 and 70 are often seen in healthy people

**The condition of “prediabetes” puts you at risk for developing Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and blood lipid disorders

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 02/21/2018.

References

Can Prediabetes Be Cured

According to the National Institutes of Health , prediabetes is reversible. Treatment may include lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, and medication. If you have prediabetes and dont make lifestyle changes, you could develop type 2 diabetes within 10 years, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Recommended Reading: What Is The Normal A1c

Best Fasting Insulin Level

We have all heard of and probably been tested for fasting blood glucose. But unless you are diabetic, you may not have heard of or been tested for your fasting insulin level. So what is the best fasting insulin level, why is it important and how can you achieve it?

We have been listening to the expert speakers on the Autoimmune Revolution summit, which finished a week ago, and have learned a lot of new information from these cutting edge doctors one of whom was Dr Brian Mowll.

Sugar is the enemy of good health

When asked to give their main recommendations on reducing and/or avoiding autoimmune diseases, every single one of these experts included in their recommendations that it was vital to reduce the amount of sugar consumed from all sources this will lead to the best fasting insulin level. Consuming more sugar than is necessary for our basic energy requirements is inflammatory in our bodies.

Admittedly, this is a very simplistic explanation, but you will get the general idea of what is going wrong with our bodies when this happens. How autoimmune disease will present itself depends on any genetic weaknesses that you may have inherited together with your lifestyle and dietary choices. This is why there are so many different expressions of autoimmune disease. Yet many of the factors triggering it are the same, and sugar ranks very highly as a trigger.

What is the best fasting insulin level?

Why is your fasting insulin level important?

The rule of 5s

What If The Range Of Your Fasting Blood Sugar Levels Go Up 100 Mg/dl Chart Explained

The chart below will help you get an idea on what goes on in case of changing of;fasting blood sugar levels up 100mg/dl and down 70 mg/dl.

When your fasting blood sugar level readings are between 100 and 125 mg/dl, then most probably you may have pre-diabetes.

That is a condition in which your body insulin function is impaired. You may know it also as;impaired fasting blood glucose;condition.

In case your fasting blood sugar levels figures are;higher than 125 mg/dl, than most probably you may have diabetes. Further diagnostic exams will determine what type of diabetes you may have.

Remember:;always will be a double check to fully determine if you have diabetes or not.

This means that you’ve to monitor your fasting blood sugar levels for one week, record the results for reference when consulting your doctor. Then, and only then you will know if you are diabetic or not.

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Best Intermittent Fasting Schedules To Reduce Insulin Resistance

Popular intermittent fasting protocols range from fasting a few hours each day, fasting every other day, or doing a modified fast a few days of the week. So, theres not a single, best way to fast to improve your insulin sensitivity. Studies conducted on humans show the best type of IF schedule is the one that works for you.;

One 2018 study showed a 18:6 fasting protocol , improved insulin sensitivity in men with prediabetes. Another smaller study of patients with diabetes showed that various schedules of 24-hour fasts were beneficial to reducing insulin resistance. This review of 12 studies of patients following some form of IF showed insulin sensitivity improved, regardless of the type of fasting protocol they followed.;

IF is flexible. According to Jason Fung MD, founder of The Fasting Method, the most crucial factor of an IF diet is the fasted state will lower your insulin levels. The style of intermittent fasting that fits your lifestyle and is easiest to maintain will be your most effective way to fast for better insulin sensitivity.;

Preventing Insulin Resistance Problems

If you have prediabetes, you may be able to prevent the condition from developing into diabetes with these health-promoting behaviors:

• Work toward including exercise as a part of your daily routine, preferably getting in 30 minutes at least 5 days a week.
• Try to eat a nutrient-rich, balanced diet as often as possible.
• If you have overweight, consider losing weight even reducing your body weight by just 7 percent can help lower your risk for developing diabetes.

Making healthier lifestyle choices is the best way to help get your blood glucose levels in the desired range.

Also Check: Average Lifespan Of Someone With Type 1 Diabetes

Achieving Normal Fasting Glucose Level

The very first thing is to watch out the figures lower than 70 mg/dl. In case you’ve been experiencing more than two episodes of low figures then you should consult your doctor.

The most probable cause include medicine you are taking and diet you’re following. And that should be corrected to keep glucose level under control.;

Trying to achieve normal fasting glucose level means you must work hard on it and never surrender.

If this is so hard for you, try this natural alternative by;

Why Is The Insulin Test Done

An insulin level test may be prescribed sometimes by your doctor together with some other tests like Hemoglobin A1C and Glucose tests to aid in diagnosing and monitoring Type 1 diabetes. This test may also be done in case if other blood glucose shows low levels of blood sugar.

This test is usually done;

• To identify the reasons behind low blood sugar, also known as hypoglycemia.
• For monitoring and diagnosing insulin resistance.
• To understand and monitor the condition of Type 2 diabetic patients.
• To check the existence of insulinoma, a kind of tumor over the pancreas, also, can be used to check if the tumor is completely removed post-treatment.

This test may also be done in case if you show the symptoms of hypoglycemia like;

• Unusual sweating
• Very high hunger

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What Is The Ideal Fasting Insulin Level

Insulin is an important hormone. Its canonical function is to signal cells to absorb glucose from the bloodstream, but it has many other effects. Chronically elevated insulin is a marker of metabolic dysfunction, and typically accompanies high fat mass, poor glucose tolerance and blood lipid abnormalities. Measuring insulin first thing in the morning, before eating a meal, reflects fasting insulin. High fasting insulin is a marker of metabolic problems and may contribute to some of them as well. Elevated fasting insulin is a hallmark of the metabolic syndrome, the quintessential modern metabolic disorder that affects 24% of Americans . The average insulin level in the U.S., according to the NHANES III survey, is 8.8 uIU/mL for men and 8.4 for women . Given the degree of metabolic dysfunction in this country, I think it’s safe to say that the ideal level of fasting insulin is probably below 8.4 uIU/mL. Let’s dig deeper. What we really need is a healthy, non-industrial “negative control” group. Fortunately, Dr. Staffan Lindeberg and his team made detailed measurements of fasting insulin while they were visiting the isolated Melanesian island of Kitava . He compared his measurements to age-matched Swedish volunteers. In male and female Swedes, the average fasting insulin ranges from 4-11 uIU/mL, and increases with age. From age 60-74, the average insulin level is 7.3 uIU/mL. In contrast, the range on KitContinue reading >>

• Fasting blood sugar: Normal levels and testing