Fasting Insulin Test Low
 

Fasting Insulin Test Low

Is a barely low Fasting Insulin a problem? Do I need to watch this?

For years doctors have told me I probably have Reactive Hypoglycemia and Insulin Resistance (although no one bothered to test).and was told to eat smaller meals. My fasting glucose test was always in the high 90’s which I always thought was high for me since I am thin, exercise a little and eat very little sugar or carbs since I was dx with Celiac Disease in 2005. Also the one HA-1C taken was normal at 49 (4-6)

My biggest complaint was always the major fatigue I would feel while eating a meal. Before being dx with Celiac, I would say I would almost get comatose while eating…usually before finishing a meal need to lie flat and sometimes go into such a deep sleep that no one could wake me. A few times I tested my blood sugar when feeling this way and it would be pretty low around 58 or 60. So, I would check my morning sugar and it was always in the high 90’s. I would mention this to the docs too but with all the other symptoms this was a minor and they would just say eat small meals which of course did help a little.

I still experience this but mostly not as bad and do try to walk or move when I start feeling this way which does help some.

So, I went to a doctor thinking I might try some bioidentical hormones to see if it would help my muscle strength return and had quite a good blood workup. (I have decided not to try the hormones as I just don’t feel right about them and my husband is trying them but having a lot of strange symptoms and increased anxiety.)

Included in this workup was a Fasting Insulin which was a Low 2 with a range of 3-19. I had this drawn about 10 am and did not eat, drink or exercise before the test. And my fasting glucose for the first time was down to 85 (70-105). The HA1C was 5.1 (4.2-6)

The doctor highlighted it but did not mention it in our discussion. I have 2 brothers with type one diabetes and was wondering if I need to watch this or is this a good reading for me?

PreCeliac dx, I had a lot of diabetic neuropathy, tingling, feeling of pads on foot, numbness, burning sensations running down my leg etc which most resolved with B12 and folic acid although a lot of the tingling continued even taking sublingual Methyl 2-5,000 B12 daily. Once I got my D3 up in the high 50’s the tingling stopped. And of course the Gluten Free, Dairy Free and mostly sugar free diet has helped immensely.

Thanks for any advice.

Having a low reading is good. Too low, and I wonder if you don't have any liver glucose being made during the fast?

Type I diabetics typically have very low insulin levels..if any depending on severity.

But your other markers are good, so I wouldn't worry.

If you get numb and tingly when you are really hungry..sweating, confusion, then I would suspect low blood sugar.

really low is a problem... so that is all you have to look for.

That huge sleepy problem after eating is an insulin reaction. It comes from a huge spike in insulin release. It is less with less carbs, and smaller meals.

Thanks MrsD I was hoping you would answer as I appreciate your expertise in this area.

I guess I was always thinking that my low blood sugar right after eating would mean low insulin too but I guess I don't know too much in this department! I don't ever get shakey, sweaty or confused when hungry so that is why I never really believed I had any hypoglycemia.

Is there any way to improve my insulin a couple of points so I don't get that urgent feeling of I need to lay down symptom? My family does get a little annoyed with me because even when we watch movies early, and I am not tired, suddenly I am out and no one can wake me...and this annoys me too because I am usually missing big parts of movies all the time now!

Thanks again for your continued posts and support for all of us!
Llonghair

The reason you feel the need to lay down is the insulin spike itself. I think the only way to control this is to eat smaller meals and more frequently.

Dr. Sears explains this in his book, Enter the Zone.
You might be able to find this book in your library. It has two chapters explaining essential fatty acids (Omega-3s) and the connection between insulin and their metabolism.

Since Dr. Sears wrote that first book, he is on the net like this example:
http://www.kellyfrankson.com/2009/08...eminar-review/

But the book is really the best place to find the more complete answer to your question.