What is a healthy fasting insulin level for a non diabetic?

[pavlosn]

Halo

Can anyone advise what is considered the healthy fasting insuline level in blood for a non diabetic.

I ask because I am a Type 2, and I understand that Type 2's usually have elevated levels; such levels being linked with increased risk of complications.

Thank you

Regards

Pavlos

 

[kegstore]

I wasn't aware the actual insulin level is measurable itself, only its effect on other things i.e. blood sugar.

I've heard people talk about raised insulin levels being harmful, but can't find any specific evidence for this. More likely that raised blood sugar levels over time are causing the damage which leads to complications?

Hope this doesn't divert your question too much Pavlos! :wink:

 

[fergus]

Hi pavlosn,

It has actually been possible to measure serum insulin levels for quite some time now. Insulin is a very small protein so there were dificulties in developing the technique, but it was eventually figured out by two American scientists, Rosalyn Yalow and Solomon Berson in 1960.
Now, laboratories can carry out similar tests for around £20 I believe.

From memory (I'll need to double check later) I think they established that their non-diabetic subjects had circulating insulin levels in the region of 0.4-0.5 units per Kg body weight.

All the best,

fergus

 

[pavlosn]

Earlier today I gave blood to have l lipid panel done and I asked for my fasting glucose and insulin levels to be analysed as well. I am waiting for the results.

Regards

Pavlos

 

[pavlosn]

Got my results.

Fasting glucose 4.56 mmol/l (normal range 3.3 - 6.1)
Insulin 6.03 Mlu/L (normal range 2.6 - 24.9)
Insulin Resistance Test 13.6 (<4 High Resistance, 4.1 - 17.0 normal, 17.0 low resistance)

Don't know much about the insulin and insulin resistance tests but based on the results and normal ranges given by the lab report, it looks like the metformin is doing its job.

Regards

Pavlos