Standard check-ups measure glucose and sometimes HbA1c. Both are lagging indicators: the body defends normal blood sugar for years by producing more and more insulin. By the time glucose rises, the system has been struggling for a long time.
Why we add fasting insulin
A fasting insulin level — and the HOMA-IR score calculated from it — tells us how hard your pancreas is working to keep glucose in range. It is inexpensive, widely available and surprisingly underused.
What a high result means
An elevated fasting insulin is not a diagnosis. It is an early warning that responds remarkably well to change: strength training, more protein and fibre, better sleep and fewer late meals can bring it down within weeks.
We retest at twelve weeks so you can see the effect of your plan in numbers, not just in how you feel.
Written by
Dr. Ingrid Halvorsen
Endocrinology
Ingrid leads our metabolic and hormone programs, from insulin resistance to thyroid and perimenopause care, with a calm, evidence-first approach.
This article is general information, not personal medical advice. Talk to your physician before changing medication, supplements or treatment.
