OVERVIEW:
What is the insulin (serum) lab test?
An insulin (serum) lab test is a blood test that measures the level of insulin circulating in the body.
Why is the insulin (serum) lab test done?
An insulin (serum) lab test is done in order to:
- Find out the cause of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level),
- Diagnose or monitor insulin resistance,
- Monitor the condition of people with type 2 diabetes (raised blood sugar level),
- Diagnose pancreatic tumor.
What does an insulin (serum) lab test measure?
An insulin (serum) lab test measures the amount of insulin circulating in the body. Insulin is a hormone that maintains the level of glucose (sugar) in the body. Insulin plays a key role in maintaining blood glucose levels throughout your life.
What are the causes behind increased level of serum insulin?
An increased serum insulin is caused by type 2 diabetes (raised blood sugar level), insulin resistance, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level), Cushing’s syndrome (a disorder of the adrenal glands), or a pancreatic tumor.
What are the causes behind decreased level of serum insulin?
A decreased level of serum insulin is caused by hyperglycemia (raised blood sugar level), type 1 diabetes, or pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
What are the symptoms of high insulin levels?
Following are the symptoms of high insulin level:
Frequent and intensive hunger, weight gain, excess cravings for sugar, fatigue, lack of motivation, anxiety, and panic.
How should I prepare for this test?
Your doctor may ask you to fast for 8 hours prior to the test.
What happens during a serum insulin lab test?
A health care professional will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm by using a needle. The sample will be stored in a vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out.
Normal level of insulin after fasting overnight is < 25 mIU/L.
Normal level of insulin 30 minutes after glucose administration is 30 -230 mIU/L.
Normal level of insulin 1 hour after glucose administration is 18 – 276 mIU/L.
Normal level of insulin 2 hours after glucose administration is 16 – 166 mIU/L.
An insulin (serum) lab test is done in order to:
- Find out the cause of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar level),
- Diagnose or monitor insulin resistance,
- Monitor the condition of people with type 2 diabetes (raised blood sugar level),
- Diagnose pancreatic tumor.