What is an Insulin Test?

An insulin blood test is a medical test that measures the level of insulin in a person's blood. The level of insulin in your blood is determined by this test. A hormone called insulin aids in the transfer of blood sugar, also known as glucose, from the circulation to the cells. You get glucose through the foods you consume. It is the primary energy source for your body.

Maintaining the proper amounts of glucose is mostly dependent on insulin. Serious health issues may result from glucose levels that are high or too low. Glucose levels that are not normal are called:

Hyperglycemia: It is a condition of very high blood glucose levels. When your body doesn't produce enough insulin, it occurs. Insufficient insulin prevents glucose from entering your cells. Instead, it remains in the bloodstream.

Hypoglycemia: Low blood glucose levels are referred to as hypoglycemia. Too much glucose will enter your cells if your body releases too much insulin into the circulation. Less remains in the bloodstream as a result.

The most frequent reason for abnormal glucose levels is diabetes. Diabetes comes in two different forms.

Diabetes Type 1
Diabetes Type 2

Type 2 diabetes frequently develops before insulin resistance. To compensate for insufficient insulin, the body produces more insulin due to insulin resistance. Hypoglycemia can be brought on by an excess of insulin in the blood. But with time, insulin resistance usually worsens. It eventually reduces your body's capacity to produce insulin. Blood sugar levels increase when insulin levels decline. If the level doesn't go back to normal, type 2 diabetes can develop.

Other names: Other names of this test are insulin serum, fasting insulin, total and free insulin

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What is Insulin Test used for?

Most frequently, an insulin in a blood test is used to:

Identify the source of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Analyze or keep an eye on insulin resistance.
Persons with type 2 diabetes should have their health monitored.
Find out if an insulinoma, a specific form of pancreatic tumor, is present. The test may be performed to determine whether the tumor removal was effective if it has already been done.

To assist in identifying and managing type 1 diabetes, an insulin blood test may occasionally be performed in conjunction with other testing. Testing for hemoglobin AIC and glucose may be among the additional tests.

What is the need for insulin in a blood test?

One may need an insulin blood test if they have symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) such as:

Irregular heartbeat
Sweating
Trembling
Dizziness
Confusion
Blurred vision
Increased hunger

You may also require this test if other tests, such as a blood glucose test, reveals that you have low blood sugar.

What happens during an insulin blood test?

A tiny needle will be used by a medical practitioner to draw blood from a vein in the arms. A tiny amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial once the needle has been placed. The needle may hurt somewhat when it enters or exits your body.

How to prepare for the test?

Before the test, one should probably fast for at least eight hours, do not eat or drink anything.

Does the test include any risks?

There is no risk or danger associated with the test. Some people may get little discomfort or bruising where the needle was inserted, but mostly it goes soon.

What do the results mean?

If your insulin levels are too high, it might mean you have the following:

Type 2 diabetes
Insulin resistance
Hypoglycemia
Cushing's syndrome (adrenal glands disorder). Adrenal glands produce hormones which aid the body break down fat and protein.
An insulinoma

If insulin levels are too low, it might mean you have the following:

Type 1 diabetes
Hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

If you have questions about your results, talk to your healthcare provider.

Important information to know about a blood test for insulin?

Insulin and glucose function in together. As a result, before establishing a diagnosis, your doctor may compare the results of the blood test for glucose and insulin.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an Insulin Test?

An Insulin Test measures the insulin level. The body uses glucose, a sugar obtained from meals, as a primary energy source. After meals, blood glucose levels increase, signalling the pancreas to produce or release insulin into the blood.

2. What is the normal range of the Insulin Test?

The normal level of varies from 2 to 20 mIU/ml.This,however,is the broad range and the values tend to vary according to various clinical situations.

3. What are the symptoms of too much Insulin?

Symptoms of too much insulin are:

Anxiety.
Confusion.
Extreme hunger.
Fatigue.
Irritability.
Sweating or clammy skin.
Trembling hands.

4. What Insulin level indicates diabetes?

This test is usually not used as a screening test for the diagnosis or detection of diabetes,except for distinguishing type 1 diabetes from type 2 .Insulin levels are very low in Type 1 diabetes patients due to failure of insulin secretion from pancreas.

5. How long does an Insulin Test take?

The insulin test takes around two and a half hours. One shouldn't eat or drink anything before the test, with the exception of water, until your test is over.

6. When should I check the Insulin levels?

If you take daily injections, testing is often advised between meals and before night. If you only use intermediate- or long-acting insulin, you might only need to test before breakfast and occasionally before supper or before going to bed.

7. Is an Insulin Test done on an empty stomach?

Yes, an insulin test is done on an empty stomach; you should be fasting for eight hours (i.e., not eat or drink anything).

8. What is the cost of an Insulin Test?

The cost of Insulin tests in India varies as per the city in India. The average price of an Insulin Test ranges from Rs. 400 to Rs. 900.

9. Where can I get Insulin Test in Hyderabad?

If you are looking for Insulin Test in Hyderabad, then visit Medicover Hospitals, it offers a wide range of diagnostic tests.

10. Where can I get treatment for high Insulin levels in Hyderabad?

To get the best treatment for high or low insulin levels in Hyderabad, visit Medicover Hospitals. It has the best team of doctors who treat and manage these conditions.