Test Detail
Understanding the Test
Test Measures
Interpreting Results
FAQ's
City Price Info
Home Collection
References
Other Tests
Content created by
Written by
Dr. Shreya Gupta
BDS, MDS - Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Reviewed by
Dr. Ashish Ranjan
MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)
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Insulin Fasting

Also known as Fasting insulin, Insulin serum, Insulin F
449853 47% Off
You need to provide
Blood
This test is for
Male, Female
Test Preparation
  1. Overnight fasting (8-12 hrs) is required. Do not eat or drink anything except water before the test.

Understanding Insulin Fasting


What is Insulin Fasting?

An Insulin Fasting test measures the level of insulin in your blood after a fasting period of 8-12 hours. It is done when symptoms like increased thirst or urination, appetite changes, weakness, weight changes, tingling or numbness in the hands or legs, etc. are experienced by an individual. 

Insulin hormone is produced and stored in the beta cells of the pancreas. It helps the body cells to uptake glucose (blood sugar) from the blood for the production of energy. Without insulin, glucose cannot reach most of the body cells and remains in the blood instead. This causes your blood glucose levels to reach dangerously high levels and may eventually lead to a life-threatening condition called diabetic coma. Therefore, it is vital for survival to maintain your insulin levels. 

An Insulin Fasting test is usually advised following a low blood glucose test result and/or when someone has symptoms of low blood glucose (hypoglycemia), such as profuse sweating, nervousness or anxiety, irritability, confusion, dizziness, hunger, fast heartbeat, etc. This test is also used to detect the presence of an insulin-producing tumor in the islet cells of the pancreas (insulinoma).

Overnight fasting (8-12 hours) is recommended before undergoing an Insulin Fasting test. Do not eat or drink anything other than water during the fasting period. It is also important to inform your doctor about any medicines that you take, as some of them may affect your blood glucose levels and need to be adjusted or temporarily discontinued before the test.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help them determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your condition, and formulate your overall treatment plan.

What is Insulin Fasting used for?

An Insulin Fasting test can be done:

  • To determine the cause of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).

  • To determine the proper production of insulin by the pancreas.

  • To monitor the condition of people with type 2 diabetes.

  • To determine if insulin resistance in cells is the cause of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

  • To determine if insulin supplementation is necessary.

  • To determine the presence of insulin-producing tumors (insulinomas) in the beta cells of the pancreas.

 

What does Insulin Fasting measure?

An Insulin Fasting test evaluates the amount of insulin available in your blood following a fasting period of about 8-12 hours, which helps in regulating glucose levels.

Glucose is a source of energy for the body to perform daily activities. Your body gets glucose from carbohydrates that are consumed in the diet. These carbohydrates are digested and converted into simple sugar (glucose). The required amount of glucose is then absorbed by the cells for the production of energy, and the remaining amount is stored in other forms like fats. Insulin hormone helps the cells to uptake glucose from the blood for utilization and storage. Thus, it is necessary to maintain insulin levels in your body.

Interpreting Insulin Fasting results


Interpretations

Normal range (Approx.): 2.0 - 25.0 uU/ml

Fasting Insulin Test is usually ordered with Fasting glucose test and the results interpreted as follows:

 

Fasting insulin level

Fasting glucose level

Disorder

Normal

Normal

None

High

Normal or slightly high

Insulin Resistance

Low

High

Insufficient insulin production, e.g., diabetes

Normal or high

Low

Hypoglycemia due to over secretion of insulin

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Insulin Fasting


Frequently Asked Questions about Insulin Fasting

Q. What other tests can be prescribed by the doctor in case the results of an Insulin Fasting test are not normal?

Other tests that may be prescribed when Insulin Fasting test results are not normal include a blood glucose test, proinsulin test, C-peptide test, cortisol test, and plasma β-hydroxybutyrate (BHOB) test.

Q. What can cause high insulin levels in the blood?

High insulin levels in the blood may occur due to sedentary (inactive) lifestyle, obesity, aging, a high carbohydrate diet, family history of diabetes, pregnancy, sleep-related problems, conditions like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hormonal problems like acromegaly or Cushing’s syndrome, habits like smoking, and due to the use of medicines like steroids, antipsychotics, and HIV medications.

Q. What can cause low insulin levels in the blood?

Low levels of insulin may occur in the blood due to type 1 diabetes, hypopituitarism (low secretion of pituitary hormones), and pancreatic diseases like pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer.

Q. What are the common symptoms of hypoglycemia?

Hypoglycemia or very low levels of glucose in the blood can cause symptoms like sweating, nausea, weakness, palpitations, dizziness, hunger, trembling, confusion, irritability, anxiety, blurred vision, irregular heartbeat, seizures, etc.

Q. Does high insulin mean diabetes?

Hyperinsulinemia or a high level of insulin means the amount of insulin in the blood is higher than normal. On its own, hyperinsulinemia is not exactly diabetes; however, it is often associated with type 2 diabetes.
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Insulin Fasting test price for other cities


Price inBangaloreRs. 449
Price inMysoreRs. 449
Price inNagpurRs. 449
Price inNashikRs. 449
Price inPuneRs. 449
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