Metabolic

Fasting Insulin

Fasting Insulin. Measured in clinic at The Wellness in Marylebone, read by a doctor.

What It Is

Insulin is the hormone that moves glucose from the blood into cells, and a fasting insulin test measures how much of it is circulating after you have not eaten overnight. It shows how hard the pancreas is working to keep blood sugar steady at rest.

Why It Matters

In the early stages of insulin resistance, the pancreas compensates by producing more insulin while glucose readings stay normal. Fasting insulin can therefore reveal strain on the system years before glucose or HbA1c drift upward, which is why it features in longevity-focused assessment.

What Results Can Suggest

A higher fasting insulin can suggest the body is becoming less responsive to insulin, a pattern associated with metabolic syndrome and later type 2 diabetes. A low level alongside high glucose can point the other way. Interpretation depends on the paired glucose result and your wider picture, so review it with a doctor.

This page is general information, not medical advice and not a substitute for a consultation. Reference ranges vary between laboratories, and results should always be interpreted by a doctor who knows your history.