Your pancreas makes the hormone insulin to help utilize your blood sugar. The pancreas releases insulin when your blood sugar rises such as after meals. If you are unable to properly utilize insulin, your insulin levels rise along with your blood sugar. This condition is called insulin resistance. You can test your insulin levels with a blood test.
Insulin Resistance Syndrome
You can define insulin resistance, or metabolic syndrome, by symptoms such as triglyceride levels of 150 mg/dL or higher and having less than 40 mg/dL of high-density lipoproteins for men and less than 50 mg/dL high-density lipoprotein for women, the National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse notes. You can also define insulin resistance syndrome by blood pressure levels over 130/85. Additionally, insulin resistance syndrome causes fasting blood sugar levels of 100 mg/dL or higher. Your insulin level rises because your pancreas releases increasing amounts of insulin to compensate for your body's resistance. Eventually, your pancreas is unable to keep up with the high levels of insulin needed to utilize your blood sugar, elevating your risk of developing diabetes.
Insulin Tests and Results
Testing your blood insulin level may or may not require fasting. You should consult your doctor beforehand to determine whether or not you are required to fast and for how long. Blood is extracted to determine your blood insulin level. Normal insulin values after fasting are between 5 and 20 mcU/mL. This range may vary slightly among the different laboratories. Blood insulin levels greater than 20 mcU/mL are considered high.
Implications of High Insulin Levels
High insulin levels can imply that you have conditions, such as hypoglycemia due to Cushing's syndrome or insulinomas, in addition to insulin resistance. High insulin occurs among the obese, as well as those with fructose intolerance. High insulin levels may also suggest you are pre-diabetic or have type 2 diabetes.
Reversing Insulin Resistance
You can reverse or decrease insulin resistance through physical activity, such as exercise, and through weight loss. Sports and exercise routines help your muscles use blood sugar by increasing your sensitivity to insulin. Eating a healthy diet comprised of fruits, vegetables and lean meats and low on carbohydrates and fats also helps maintain a healthy weight.
