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Fasting Insulin Resistance

Meaning

Fasting insulin resistance is a clinical state characterized by a reduced sensitivity of peripheral tissues, primarily liver, muscle, and adipose tissue, to the action of insulin despite a prolonged period without caloric intake. This reduced sensitivity necessitates the pancreas to secrete abnormally high levels of insulin to maintain normal fasting blood glucose. Elevated fasting insulin is a direct, early indicator of metabolic dysfunction, often preceding the development of overt type 2 diabetes and contributing to a pro-inflammatory state. It is a key diagnostic marker in the assessment of cardiometabolic risk and hormonal imbalance.