Why You Should Care About Your Insulin Levels — Even If You’re Not Diabetic
When you hear the word insulin, your mind probably goes straight to diabetes. It makes sense—insulin is often discussed in the context of people managing type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
But here’s the surprising truth: everyone should be paying attention to their insulin levels, not just diabetics.
What Is Insulin and Why Does It Matter?
Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps your body use glucose (sugar) for energy or store it for later. It’s essential for keeping blood sugar levels balanced. The problem starts when your body makes too much insulin. Chronically high insulin—also called hyperinsulinemia—can quietly wreak havoc on your health, even if your blood sugar looks normal.
That’s why high insulin is often called a silent threat. You can have it for years or decades without knowing, all while it increases your risk for serious health issues.
9 Out of 10 Adults Have High Insulin—And Most Don’t Know It
A staggering 9 out of 10 adults have elevated insulin levels. Yet, most standard lab tests only check glucose of A1c, not insulin.
That means your doctor could tell you your blood sugar is “normal,” while your insulin is quietly rising. By the time glucose levels go up, insulin has often been high for years.
And this matters because high insulin is one of the strongest predictors of future disease. It’s not just about diabetes—it’s about your long-term health.
Health Risks of High Insulin
Unchecked high insulin levels can lead to a cascade of health problems, including:
- Type 2 Diabetes: Chronically high insulin causes insulin resistance, where cells stop responding to insulin properly. This eventually raises blood sugar and leads to diabetes.
- Heart Disease: High insulin drives inflammation, high blood pressure, and cholesterol imbalances, all of which raise heart disease risk.
- Reproductive Cancers: Elevated insulin has been linked to breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancers, particularly in women.
- Cognitive Decline: High insulin levels accelerate brain aging and increase the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.
Why You Need to Know Your Insulin Levels
Even if you feel healthy, you could still have high insulin. Catching it early is key to preventing bigger problems down the road.
The good news? It’s never too late to take control. By testing your insulin levels and making simple lifestyle changes—like following a Low Insulin Lifestyle—you can reverse insulin resistance, lower inflammation, and improve your overall health.
At Lilli Health, we make it easy with our at-home insulin test kits and expert guidance to help you stay ahead of insulin resistance.
Take Action Today
Do you know your insulin levels? If not, it’s time to find out. Understanding your insulin now could help you avoid serious health issues later.
Check your insulin levels with Lilli Health’s at-home testing kit and take the first step toward better energy, balanced hormones, and long-term health.
Your future self will thank you.
References
- Araújo J, et al. Prevalence of Optimal Metabolic Health in American Adults: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009-2016. Metab Syndr Relat Disord. 2019. Read more
- Janssen JA. Hyperinsulinemia and Its Pivotal Role in Aging, Obesity, Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease and Cancer. Int J Mol Sci. 2021. Read more
