HOMA-IR = (fasting glucose × fasting insulin) / 22.5. Above 2.0 suggests insulin resistance; above 2.5 is significant. Useful where fasting insulin alone is hard to interpret.

Fasting Insulin

Fasting insulin is the underrated metabolic marker. High fasting insulin alongside normal fasting glucose is early insulin resistance — the body shouting to keep glucose in range. This precedes HbA1c shifts by years.

Category: Metabolic
Units: mIU/L
Reference range: 2-10 mIU/L (fasted)

What does a high Fasting Insulin result mean?

Insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, obesity, NAFLD. The earliest detectable signal of metabolic dysfunction.

What does a low Fasting Insulin result mean?

Normal in lean fit people. Very low can suggest type 1 diabetes onset.

Why does Fasting Insulin matter?

Standard panels rarely include fasting insulin. Without it, you can't calculate HOMA-IR, the practical insulin-resistance index. Every FORM metabolic panel includes it.

FAQs

What is HOMA-IR?: HOMA-IR = (fasting glucose × fasting insulin) / 22.5. Above 2.0 suggests insulin resistance; above 2.5 is significant. Useful where fasting insulin alone is hard to interpret.

Want Fasting Insulin interpreted in the context of your full panel? Every FORM bloodwork tier covers it, with an MD walking you through the result.

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