12/05/2025
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Understanding Fasting Insulin Blood Test Results - Unlocking ...
High insulin (hyperinsulinemia) often signals insulin resistance, meaning cells aren’t responding well to insulin, causing the pancreas to overproduce it; this can lead to weight gain, sugar cravings, fatigue, skin tags, dark skin patches (acanthosis nigricans), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and increased risk for type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and PCOS. It can also cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) after meals, leading to shakiness or dizziness, and sometimes shows up as irregular periods or acne in women.
Common Signs & Symptoms
Skin Changes: Skin tags, dark velvety patches on neck/armpits (acanthosis nigricans).
Weight & Metabolism: Unintentional weight gain (especially belly fat), sugar cravings, excessive hunger, fatigue.
Blood Sugar Fluctuations: Shaky, sweaty, dizzy, anxious feelings (reactive hypoglycemia).
Cardiovascular Risks: High blood pressure, high cholesterol, hardening arteries.
Hormonal (Women): Irregular periods, facial hair (signs of PCOS).
Other: Headaches, concentration issues, slow-healing sores.
What It Can Lead To
Prediabetes & Type 2 Diabetes: The most common progression if untreated.
PCOS (Polycystic O***y Syndrome): High insulin is closely linked to PCOS.
Heart Disease & Stroke: Increased risk due to associated factors like high blood pressure. (AI)