Insulin Sensitivity
Also known as: Insulin Response, Glucose Disposal
How effectively your cells respond to insulin to take up glucose from the bloodstream.
FULL EXPLANATION
Insulin sensitivity describes how efficiently your cells respond to insulin's signal to absorb glucose from the blood. High insulin sensitivity means cells respond well to insulin, keeping blood sugar stable with minimal insulin release.
When insulin sensitivity decreases (insulin resistance), cells don't respond well to insulin, requiring the pancreas to produce more insulin to achieve the same effect. Over time, this can lead to type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
WHY IT MATTERS
Insulin sensitivity is a cornerstone of metabolic health. Improving it reduces risk of type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and many other chronic conditions associated with metabolic syndrome.
HOW TO IMPROVE
Improve insulin sensitivity through regular exercise (especially resistance training), maintaining healthy body weight, getting adequate sleep, reducing refined carbohydrates, and managing stress.
NORMAL RANGES
Measured by fasting insulin levels, HOMA-IR, or glucose tolerance tests. Fasting insulin under 5-10 uIU/mL typically indicates good sensitivity. HOMA-IR under 1.0 is optimal.
RELATED TERMS
Metabolic Rate
The rate at which your body burns calories at rest to maintain basic life functions.
Insulin
A hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar by promoting glucose uptake into cells.
Blood Glucose
The concentration of glucose (sugar) in the blood, a critical marker of metabolic health and energy regulation.
HbA1c
A blood test measuring average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months by showing the percentage of hemoglobin bound to glucose.
Time-Restricted Eating
An eating pattern where food consumption is limited to a specific time window each day, typically 8-12 hours.
More in Metabolic Health
View all →Metabolic Rate
Well-EstablishedThe rate at which your body burns calories at rest to maintain basic life functions.
Blood Glucose
Well-EstablishedThe concentration of glucose (sugar) in the blood, a critical marker of metabolic health and energy regulation.
HbA1c
Well-EstablishedA blood test measuring average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months by showing the percentage of hemoglobin bound to glucose.