Insulin Fasting Test

What is the insulin fasting test?

Insulin is a peptide hormone produced by the pancreas. When we consume carbohydrates, they are broken down into simpler substances like glucose. Insulin checks the glucose level in the blood. When glucose blood levels increase, insulin is released from the pancreas into the bloodstream. Insulin helps to remove the glucose from the blood and put it into fat and tissue cells, where it can be stored for energy. Under normal conditions, glucose removal occurs at a fixed time, but the pancreas cannot make insulin under certain abnormal conditions, and the process is delayed. This leads to the accumulation of glucose in the blood. And the condition is referred to as diabetes Mellitus. Insulin fasting test measures the level of insulin, thus helping in diagnosing diabetes and insulin resistance.

When is the insulin fasting test done?

A doctor may recommend this test in the following

• To diagnose diabetes
• To diagnose insulin resistance.
• To work out insulin resistance in patients with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
• To screen for adrenal gland diseases and pituitary diseases
• To check the response of patients undergoing treatment for diabetes mellitus
• In hypoglycemia

What are the components of the insulin fasting test?

This examination gauges the blood's insulin levels at least eight hours after the last meal. It may be advised independently and with other blood tests measuring insulin or diabetes.

What is the usual range of insulin fasting tests?

• 2 to 20 mIU/mL: Normal
• High levels of insulin indicate hyperinsulinemia (insulin resistance)
• Low Insulin levels indicate Type 1 Diabetes mellitus
• How is the insulin fasting test done?
• The blood sample is taken from the vein
• Fasting of 8 to 10 hrs is required before the test
• The result will be ready on the same day.