Objective: College lifestyle places an individual at greater risk for the development of insulin resistance (IR) and disease. The aim of this study was to establish a baseline measurement of insulin, and other variables influencing IR in college freshmen. Participants: Twenty-two men and women, 18 to 19 years of age, during first month of college. Methods: Following 12-hour fast, subjects reported to the laboratory for determination of body mass index (BMI) and completion of questionnaire determining ethnicity, family history, and patterns of diet, exercise, and stress. Blood samples were obtained and analyzed for glucose and insulin. Results: Mean insulin value for men (14.9 [plus or minus] 1.86 [mu]U/mL) was normal, and that for women (17.3 [plus or minus] 1.74 [mu]U/mL) was slightly elevated. When subjects were grouped by BMI, genetic predisposition, and summated lifestyle risk, fasting insulin values were significantly different. Eight of 22 subjects were hyperinsulinemic (insulin greater than 19 [mu]U/mL). Conclusion: Hyperinsulinemia is prevalent in this population and merits further investigation and intervention. (Contains 4 tables and 1 figure.)