Normal range for insulin levels
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Normal Range for Insulin Levels
Introduction to Insulin Levels
Insulin is a crucial hormone for regulating blood glucose levels. Understanding the normal range for insulin levels is essential for diagnosing and managing conditions like diabetes. This article synthesizes findings from various studies to provide a comprehensive overview of normal insulin levels in different contexts.
Normal Insulin Levels in Children
A study on pre-pubertal European children provides detailed reference values for insulin levels. The median serum insulin levels range from 17.4 pmol/L in 3- to 3.5-year-old girls to 53.5 pmol/L in 10.5- to 11-year-old girls. For boys, the median levels range from 13.2 pmol/L to 43.0 pmol/L in the same age groups. These values indicate that insulin levels increase with age and are generally higher in girls than boys.
Insulin Levels in Adults
In adults, normal fasting plasma glucose levels are defined as less than 100 mg/dL (5.55 mmol/L). Insulin levels can vary significantly based on individual health conditions and lifestyle factors. For instance, a study on a nonobese man with diabetes showed marked hyperinsulinemia with insulin levels ranging from 502 to 860 pmol/L, indicating abnormal insulin secretion.
Insulin Levels in Pregnancy
During pregnancy, insulin levels in amniotic fluid increase as gestation progresses. Between the 13th and 25th weeks, insulin levels rise from an average of 1.3 to 5.1 µU/mL, and from the 27th to the 42nd weeks, they increase to 6 to 9.1 µU/mL. These levels are crucial for monitoring fetal health and detecting potential pregnancy complications.
Insulin Therapy and Glycemic Control
Intensive insulin therapy aims to maintain blood glucose levels within a specific range. For critically ill patients, blood glucose levels are often targeted between 80 to 110 mg/dL using insulin infusion protocols . In diabetes management, basal insulin doses are typically around 0.2 U/kg/day to achieve near-normal glycemia.
Conclusion
Normal insulin levels vary based on age, sex, and physiological conditions such as pregnancy. Understanding these variations is essential for effective diagnosis and management of insulin-related disorders. Regular monitoring and appropriate insulin therapy can help maintain optimal blood glucose levels and prevent complications.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic