From the Research
The ideal insulin range is between 2 to 20 uIU/mL, with optimal levels considered to be below 10 uIU/mL, as indicated by the most recent and highest quality study available 1.
Ideal Insulin Range
The ideal fasting insulin range is typically between 2 to 20 uIU/mL (microunits per milliliter), with optimal levels often considered to be below 10 uIU/mL. This range represents normal insulin function where the body efficiently manages blood glucose without overproducing insulin.
Key Considerations
- Values consistently above 20 uIU/mL may indicate insulin resistance, where cells don't respond properly to insulin, forcing the pancreas to produce more to maintain normal blood sugar levels.
- Conversely, values below 2 uIU/mL might suggest insufficient insulin production.
- It's essential to interpret insulin levels alongside other metabolic markers like fasting glucose, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR (a calculation that estimates insulin resistance) 2, 3, 4, 5.
Clinical Implications
Insulin levels can vary based on fasting status, time of day, recent meals, and individual factors, so results should always be discussed with a healthcare provider for proper context and interpretation.
- The most recent study 1 suggests that self-titration at least twice a week with health care provider support leads to superior HbA1c reduction in comparison with other strategies, without increasing the risk of severe hypoglycemia.
- This approach should be considered for clinical practice, where appropriate, to achieve optimal glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes.