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Fasting Insulin

Meaning

Fasting insulin is a quantitative measurement of the circulating concentration of the hormone insulin in the peripheral blood after a period of at least eight to twelve hours without caloric intake. This clinical biomarker reflects the basal secretory output of the pancreatic beta cells and is a fundamental tool for assessing insulin sensitivity and the risk of developing metabolic dysfunction. Elevated fasting insulin levels are a direct indicator of hyperinsulinemia, often preceding frank glucose intolerance and type 2 diabetes.