Insulin in Blood

Insulin in Blood: Overview

Insulin is a hormone that plays an important role in helping the body convert food into energy. It is produced by the pancreas and helps cells to take up glucose from the bloodstream. Measuring insulin in the blood can help understand how well the body is able to make and use this hormone. It could also be used to diagnose and monitor diabetes.

Preparation For Insulin Blood Test

No special preparation is required for an insulin blood test. You may be asked to fast for 8-12 hours before the test to get accurate results.

Procedure

Insulin blood tests are usually done along with a glucose test. The sample is taken from a vein in the forearm or back of the hand. The area is cleaned and bandaged tightly. Then a needle is inserted in the vein and a small amount of blood is taken and sent to the lab. The test results may be available within a few hours. A second test may be recommended to confirm the results.

Types of Insulin Tests

• Fasting Insulin: This test is done after 8-12 hours of fasting. It measures the amount of insulin present in the blood.
• Oral Glucose/Insulin ratio Test: This test measures the amount of insulin in the blood in response to a glucose challenge.
• Insulin Autoantibody Test: This test is used to measure the presence of insulin autoantibodies in the blood. This test can help diagnose autoimmune diabetes.
• Insulin Clearance Test: This test measures how quickly the body clears insulin from the blood.

Risks

Insulin blood tests are generally safe with no major risks. There may be slight discomfort or bruising in the area where the needle was inserted.

Why do we need Insulin Tests?

Insulin tests are done to diagnose and monitor diabetes. They are also used to screen for people who are at risk of developing diabetes and to determine how the body is responding to insulin therapy.

When is an Insulin Test Recommended?

An Insulin Test may be recommended if you are experiencing symptoms of diabetes such as increased thirst, frequent urination, weight loss, and fatigue. An Insulin Test may also be recommended if you have a family history of diabetes or if you already have a diagnosis of diabetes.