From the Guidelines
Normal insulin range varies depending on whether it's measured during fasting or after eating, with fasting insulin levels typically between 3-25 μIU/mL and optimal levels under 10 μIU/mL. For fasting insulin levels, the normal range is typically between 3-25 μIU/mL (microunits per milliliter), with optimal levels being under 10 μIU/mL 1. After eating, insulin levels naturally rise and can reach 30-230 μIU/mL, peaking about 30-60 minutes after a meal. These ranges may differ slightly between laboratories due to different testing methods.
Key Points to Consider
- Insulin levels are important indicators of metabolic health, as consistently elevated levels may suggest insulin resistance, which can lead to type 2 diabetes 1.
- Conversely, abnormally low insulin levels might indicate insufficient insulin production, as seen in type 1 diabetes.
- Regular monitoring of insulin levels, along with blood glucose measurements, helps healthcare providers assess metabolic health and adjust treatment plans for those with diabetes or insulin resistance.
Factors Influencing Insulin Levels
- Age, obesity, and lack of physical activity can increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes, which is often associated with insulin resistance 1.
- Certain racial/ethnic subgroups and individuals with a strong genetic predisposition or family history are also at higher risk.
- Screening for prediabetes and type 2 diabetes risk through an informal assessment of risk factors or with an assessment tool is recommended to guide providers on whether performing a diagnostic test is appropriate 1.
From the Research
Normal Insulin Range
- The normal insulin range is not explicitly stated in the provided studies, but we can look at the effects of insulin therapy on glucose levels to understand the target range.
- According to the study 2, basal insulin secretion occurs at night and between meals, and its suppression can cause plasma glucose to rise to around 12 mmol/l.
- The study 3 mentions that the target fasting plasma glucose level is <6 mmol/l.
- The study 4 reports a reduction in fasting plasma glucose of 2.2-2.3 mmol/l after treatment with pioglitazone or metformin.
- The study 5 shows that 2-year treatment with pioglitazone resulted in decreases in glucose excursions after an oral glucose load, without increasing post-load serum insulin concentrations.
Insulin Therapy Targets
- The target range for insulin therapy is to achieve fasting plasma glucose levels <6 mmol/l, as mentioned in the study 3.
- The study 2 suggests that the goal of insulin therapy is to suppress liver glucose production and promote glucose storage in skeletal muscle.
- The studies 4 and 5 demonstrate the effectiveness of pioglitazone and metformin in reducing glucose levels and improving insulin sensitivity.
Key Findings
- Insulin therapy is a common treatment for type 2 diabetes, and its goal is to achieve target glucose levels, as reported in the study 2.
- The choice of insulin therapy, such as basal or meal-time insulin, depends on the individual's needs and the presence of other medical conditions, as discussed in the study 2.
- Pioglitazone and metformin are effective add-on therapies to sulfonylurea or insulin, as shown in the studies 3, 4, and 5.