linda sharon

I know that normal blood insulin levels should be 1-5 fasting, however mine is 3.  Should I be concerned with it this low?  At one time my endrocrinologist told me , after my fasting insulin level was12, that she wanted it down to 5 or I would have to go on Glucophage and to stay away from any sugar.  Also she said if I had to have something sweet to eat a protein with it.  Should I be concerned that it is below 5?

[WaveRider]

When you say, "I know that normal blood insulin levels should be 1-5 fasting", from what country? In the USA, normal blood insulin levels is 5-20 mcU/mL while fasting.

Blood sugar (glucose) on the other hand is measure differently. Normally, the blood glucose level is maintained between about 4 and 8 mmol/L (70 to 150 mg/dL). The total amount of glucose in the circulating blood is therefore about 3.3 to 7g (assuming an ordinary adult blood volume of 5 liters). Glucose levels rise after meals and are usually lowest in the morning, before the first meal of the day. This is when the fasting glucose is performed.

Please clarify so someone can answer your concerns.

[lindasharon]

if normal blood insulin levels are 5-20 and my fasting insulin level was 3 would that be considered a normal result?

[KevinHarney]

levels of 1-5 in what concentration? We need to know what you are measuring before we can answer the question.

[KJ5854]

I just had my insulin tested this past October - December.  This first test was done as part of a 2-hour glucose tolerance test.  My lab report shows normal insulin to be 3 - 28 micro IU/ml.  My doctor had me come back in for re-test and did not require fasting.  So, I don't believe the normal 3 - 28 range is necessarily fasting.  I would LOVE to have an insulin level of 3.0.  On my first test my insulin was a whopping 151.  My re-test in December showed my level was 17.  So, it's coming down thanks to diet, exercise and Metformin!  I still have a way to go because my goal is to get it at least under 10.  

I'm going to an endocronologist in the next few weeks due to the insulin resistance any thyroid issues, so I'll be glad to get more of an expert opinion on where I should be.