The Glucose to Insulin Ratio Calculator is a medical assessment tool used to evaluate insulin sensitivity in the body. It compares fasting glucose levels with fasting insulin levels to help identify potential insulin resistance or other metabolic issues. This tool falls under the medical diagnostic calculator category and is especially useful for healthcare professionals assessing patients for conditions like prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
By using this calculator, clinicians can get a quick snapshot of how effectively the body’s insulin is working to control blood glucose. A higher ratio often indicates better insulin sensitivity, while a lower ratio can suggest insulin resistance.
formula
Primary Formula: Glucose to Insulin Ratio
Glucose to Insulin Ratio = Fasting Glucose Level / Fasting Insulin Level
Component Variables
Fasting Glucose Level: The concentration of glucose in the blood after fasting for 8–12 hours.
Units: Measured in mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) or mmol/L (millimoles per liter).
Fasting Insulin Level: The concentration of insulin in the blood taken from the same fasting sample.
Units: Measured in µU/mL (micro-international units per milliliter) or mU/L (milli-international units per liter). These units are equivalent.
When using this formula, it is important to ensure both values are in compatible units to avoid misinterpretation.
Quick Reference Table for Glucose to Insulin Ratio
| Fasting Glucose (mg/dL) | Fasting Insulin (µU/mL) | Ratio | Interpretation Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90 | 5 | 18 | Good insulin sensitivity |
| 100 | 10 | 10 | Possible early insulin resistance |
| 110 | 15 | 7.3 | Moderate insulin resistance |
| 120 | 20 | 6 | High insulin resistance |
| 140 | 25 | 5.6 | Very high insulin resistance risk |
This table allows for a quick estimation of insulin sensitivity without performing manual calculations.
Example
A patient’s fasting glucose level is 95 mg/dL, and their fasting insulin level is 8 µU/mL.
Step 1: Apply the formula
Ratio = 95 / 8
Ratio = 11.88
Interpretation: Based on the reference table, a ratio of around 12 suggests the patient likely has good insulin sensitivity but may need monitoring depending on other clinical factors.
Most Common FAQs
A common healthy range is around 10–20 when using mg/dL for glucose and µU/mL for insulin. Ratios below 10 can indicate possible insulin resistance.
No. The glucose to insulin ratio is a screening tool for insulin sensitivity, not a standalone diagnostic test. It should be interpreted alongside other tests like fasting glucose, HbA1c, and oral glucose tolerance tests.
Yes. High sugar and high carbohydrate diets can influence both glucose and insulin levels, potentially lowering the ratio and increasing insulin resistance risk over time.