Insulin
Insulin is the hormone from the pancreas that lets the body’s cells take up glucose from the blood.
Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that lets the body’s cells take up glucose from the blood and use it for energy or store it. Fasting insulin shows how much insulin the body needs to keep blood sugar steady between meals, and so gives a view of how the body handles sugar. Retesting shows how it changes over time.
The time since the last meal matters most, which is why the test is taken fasting. Over time, refined carbohydrates, total energy intake, physical activity, sleep, stress and body composition affect insulin levels. Some medicines, such as cortisone, also raise it.
Foods that help
Protein from eggs, fish and lean meat, fats from avocado, nuts and seeds, and non-starchy vegetables, legumes and whole grains.
Foods to limit
White bread, sugary cereals, pastries, sweetened drinks and processed snacks.
Track it through the year
One value is a snapshot. Following it up shows whether what you changed is working.
Related markers
Educational information only — not a diagnosis. Every result is checked against safe limits, and anything critical is escalated for follow-up.
See all 84 markers →