Insulin (Fasting)

Pancreas in our bodies produces a hormone called insulin which plays an essential role in the regulation of blood glucose levels. The glucose in the food triggers the release of insulin from the pancreas, and this hormone helps regulate the glucose in the body by converting it into other storage forms or utilizing it.

The fasting insulin test is a blood test used to estimate the level of insulin in the body. This test is routinely done after you have fasted for a specific period.

What Is A Fasting Insulin Test Used For?

The fasting insulin test is used to estimate the level of insulin in the body. This test is mainly used to know about insulin resistance. When the cells become less responsive to insulin, the glucose metabolism gets disturbed which results in systemic diseases, including diabetes. Insulin resistance is commonly associated with type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and other health problems.

Insulin (fasting) tests can also be used to measure the level of insulin resistance that develops in medical conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

When Should I Get A Fasting Insulin Test?

Insulin (fasting) tests can be done to diagnose medical conditions like type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, or other conditions that affect your blood sugar levels.

Insulin (fasting) test may also be required if you:

• Have a family history of diabetes
• Are overweight
• Have high blood pressure
• Have a history of gestational diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

Insulin (Fasting) Test Normal Range

The normal range of insulin (fasting) in the body lies between 2-25 micro international units per milliliter (μIU/mL) in adults. However, slight variations may exist.

Having insulin levels within a normal range indicates that your pancreas is perfectly fine and your body cells are responding normally to insulin.

If your fasting insulin level is high, it may suggest insulin resistance or other medical conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or type 2 diabetes, which means your cells are not responding to the insulin in your body.

Low fasting insulin levels can indicate that the pancreas is not producing enough insulin for the body, and there might be something wrong with the pancreas, like pancreatitis. It can be a sign of type 1 diabetes or other medical conditions, and further testing may be needed to determine the cause.

Fasting Insulin Test Procedure

To perform fasting insulin tests, you will have to uncover your arm so that blood can be withdrawn from the vein. It is performed like any other blood test. The healthcare provider will store the blood in a vial or a test tube. You might feel little to no pain. Make sure to press the wound to prevent bleeding from the puncture site.

What Are The Risks Of A Fasting Insulin Test?

As such, there are no risks associated with a fasting insulin test. However, you can have pain at the puncture site. It might be accompanied by a bruise sometimes. You can apply a cold compress at the site to lower pain and inflammation.

In rare cases, when blood is withdrawn, you might experience:

• Dizziness
• Excessive bleeding
• Infection at the puncture site

How Long Does It Take To Get The Result Of Fasting Insulin Test?

Generally, it does not take too long for the fasting insulin results to come. It might take some hours from blood withdrawal for the insulin test results to come.