Fasting Insulin... Not so Fast!

The hormone insulin is vital to life and without it, cells wouldn’t be able to take up glucose and other nutrients needed for metabolism.

As important as insulin is, fasting insulin levels above optimal may reflect metabolic dysfunction, obesity, insulin resistance, or early type 2 diabetes mellitus.

As blood glucose increases, insulin responds and can become pathologically elevated if cells are unable to respond to it. If blood glucose is consistently high, and insulin continues to increase to try and control it, cells may eventually become resistant to insulin, leading to metabolic abnormalities and organ dysfunction.

However, very low insulin may be associated with hypopituitarism, hypertension, and atrial fibrillation, while absence of insulin can be a sign of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Fasting insulin should be assessed at the same time as fasting glucose. If insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, or type 2 diabetes are on your horizon, be sure to adopt nutrition and lifestyle changes that can help you control your blood glucose and optimize your health!

Keep these optimal guidelines in mind:

• A balanced diet with healthy sources of complex carbohydrates, protein, fat, and water
• An abundance of micronutrients including vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients
• Avoid concentrated sweets including soda, most candy, and many baked goods made from refined flour, sugar, and not much else!
• Avoid highly processed foods and focus on whole foods in their most natural state
• Engage in regular physical activity, aerobic exercise, and muscle-building activities 
• Walk after meals
• Develop a good stress management plan

Keep track of your blood glucose and insulin levels and work with a healthcare professional to strive for optimal health!

Want to learn more about Fasting Insulin? CLICK HERE to dive into the Biomarkers of Blood Sugar Regulation - Fasting Insulin