Why I Check Fasting Insulin (and Why It Matters More Than You Think)
Most people are familiar with blood sugar or A1c when it comes to metabolic health. But one of the most useful markers I check — and one that’s often overlooked — is fasting insulin.
Fasting insulin helps us understand how hard your body is working to keep blood sugar normal. You can have a completely “normal” glucose and A1c, but if your insulin level is elevated, it often means your body is already developing insulin resistance.
This is usually where metabolic issues begin — years before diabetes shows up.
In practice, I often see patients with:
normal glucose
normal A1c
but elevated insulin
That’s an early warning sign, and it’s also a window of opportunity. At this stage, lifestyle changes, weight management, and targeted treatment can make a significant impact.
Fasting insulin is also helpful when evaluating:
weight loss resistance
metabolic syndrome
long-term cardiovascular risk
It’s a simple lab, but it provides a level of insight that standard panels often miss.
If you’re trying to better understand your metabolic health — especially if you’ve struggled with weight, cholesterol, or energy levels — this is one of the first markers I consider.
We offer physician-ordered metabolic lab panels, including fasting insulin, through Columbia Metabolic Clinic. Testing is available without an office visit, with optional follow-up to review your results.