Fasting Insulin

Glucose Metabolism marker

Insulin

Fasting Insulin

Category: Glucose Metabolism
Unit: mIU/L

Hormone that controls blood sugar. High levels indicate insulin resistance.

PED Notes

GH use increases insulin resistance, requiring more insulin to control blood sugar. Some athletes use exogenous insulin (extremely dangerous -- can cause fatal hypoglycaemia). Low fasting insulin with normal glucose is optimal and indicates good insulin sensitivity.

Supplements:

  • Berberine -- 500mg 2-3x/day (before carb meals)
  • Alpha-Lipoic Acid (ALA) -- 300-600mg/day

Medical:

  • Metformin -- 500-1000mg/day if supplements insufficient

Lifestyle:

  • Reduce refined carbs, increase fibre
  • If on GH, consider reducing dose
  • Fasting and time-restricted eating can improve insulin sensitivity

References:

  • Guo, J., Chen, H., Zhang, X., et al. (2021). The effect of berberine on metabolic profiles in type 2 diabetic patients. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2021, 2074610. DOI: 10.1155/2021/2074610
  • Akbari, M., Ostadmohammadi, V., Lankarani, K. B., et al. (2018). The effects of alpha-lipoic acid supplementation on glucose control and lipid profiles. Metabolism, 87, 56-69. DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2018.07.002
  • UK Prospective Diabetes Study Group. (1998). Effect of intensive blood-glucose control with metformin on complications in overweight patients with type 2 diabetes (UKPDS 34). The Lancet, 352(9131), 854-865. DOI: 10.1016/S0140-6736(98)07037-8

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Frequently Asked Questions

Reference Ranges

Standard Range

2 - 25 mIU/L

VitalMetrics Range

2 - 12 mIU/L

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