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