Insulin (Fasting) Test Price, Normal Range, Procedure, Result

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21 hours ago

Check Insulin (Fasting) Test Procedure, Result and Cost in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Insulin (Fasting) Serum Test Done?

Fasting Insulin levels are done to determine if insulin resistance in cells is the cause of hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar)
It is done to assess if pancreas is producing adequate amount of Insulin
Antibodies to insulin form in longstanding diabetes mellitus treated with insulin hence in these patients monitoring insulin levels gives better prognosis

What Does Insulin (Fasting) Serum Test Measure?

Insulin test measures insulin levels in the blood sample of a fasting patient.

What to Expect During Insulin (Fasting) Serum Test?

Insulin test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

What if Insulin (Fasting) Serum results are Present/ Absent?

Normal fasting insulin & glucose level – Normal patient
High fasting insulin & normal or slightly high glucose – Insulin resistance
Low fasting insulin & high fasting glucose level – Insufficient insulin production i.e., Diabetes
Normal or high fasting insulin and low glucose level – Over secretion of insulin e.g., insulinoma, factitious hypoglycaemia, Cushing syndrome

What causes low insulin levels?

Obesity, hypothyroidism, and a high-carbohydrate diet are all linked to hypoinsulinemia, or low insulin levels. The levels of both insulin and glucose can occasionally rise as a result of the increased resistance of the cells to insulin. When the pancreas eventually becomes injured, the production of insulin is reduced, which leads to hypoinsulinemia.

What if serum insulin is high?

Insulin has many purposes, one of which is enabling your cells to absorb blood sugar for energy. However, hyperinsulinemia can result in excessive weight gain and major health issues including cancer and heart disease.

Can high insulin damage kidneys?

If diabetes is not properly managed, it can harm the clusters of blood vessels in the kidneys that filter waste from the blood. This can lead to kidney damage and high blood pressure, which can also put extra strain on the kidneys’ filtration process and exacerbate existing kidney issues

What are the other tests ordered along with the insulin (fasting) serum test?

The following tests will be ordered along with the insulin (fasting) serum test:

Glucose test
C-peptide test

What is Insulin (Fasting) Serum test also known as ?

Fasting Insulin Test
Serum Insulin Test
Insulin test

Who should get a serum insulin test done?

Those with a family history of diabetes
Those with a sedentary lifestyle
Individuals who are overweight
Those with high blood pressure or cholesterol
Those experiencing frequent urination or increased thirst
Those exhibiting signs of fatigue, blurred vision, tingling in the hands or feet
Individuals who have had gestational diabetes during pregnancy
Those with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
Elderly people

What is an Insulin Fasting Test?

The Insulin Fasting Test is a blood test that measures your insulin levels after 8-12 hours of fasting. It helps monitor your body’s insulin production and the ability to regulate blood sugar, crucial for diagnosing and managing diabetes, prediabetes, and insulin resistance.

Why is the Insulin Fasting Test essential?

The Insulin Fasting Test is essential for an early detection of metabolic disorders such as prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, and insulin resistance. It helps diagnose the cause of low or high blood sugar and is crucial for managing diabetes treatment.

What are the benefits of Insulin Fasting Test?

The benefits of the Insulin Fasting Test includes an early detection and diagnosis of metabolic disorders, monitoring diabetes treatment, identifying the insulin resistance, detection of pancreatic tumors (insulinomas), and providing insights into your overall metabolic health and risk for chronic diseases.

Is fasting required before taking the Insulin Fasting Test?

For the most accurate results, fasting for 8–12 hours before the insulin fasting test is usually required. Your doctor will provide any specific instructions, including whether fasting is necessary. Additionally, inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, as they may potentially affect the results.

Can fasting reverse insulin resistance?

Fasting alone may not reverse insulin resistance, but when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise, it can help improve insulin sensitivity and reduce insulin resistance as part of a broader lifestyle change.

Can you have high insulin and not be diabetic?

Yes, you can have high insulin levels without being diabetic. High insulin can indicate insulin resistance, a precursor to type 2 diabetes. Other conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or an insulin-producing tumor can also cause high insulin levels.

What is a normal fasting insulin level?

Normal fasting insulin levels typically range between 2.6 and 24.9 mcIU/mL, but these ranges can vary slightly depending on the laboratory and individual health factors.

Can medications or lifestyle factors affect Insulin Fasting Test results?

Yes, medications like steroids and lifestyle factors such as being overweight, having a high-calorie diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and chronic stress can affect insulin levels and the results of the Insulin Fasting Test.

Which diseases are diagnosed with an Insulin Fasting Blood Test?

The Insulin Fasting Test helps diagnose or monitor diseases like Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, gestational diabetes, insulin resistance, insulinoma (pancreatic tumor), Cushing’s syndrome, and pancreatitis.

Is home sample collection available for Fasting Insulin Test?

Yes, many diagnostic labs, including Hospitalanddoctors.com Healthcare, offer home sample collection services for the fasting insulin test. This convenient service allows individuals to have their blood samples collected by trained phlebotomists at home, ensuring a safe and effortless experience.

How long will the Insulin Fasting Test reports take?

The Insulin Fasting Test reports are usually available after 6 hours after the day/time sample is collected and processed.

Insulin Test Overview

Insulin is a hormone secreted by beta cells of the pancreas and is involved primarily in carbohydrate metabolism and maintaining normal blood glucose levels. High levels of serum insulin can indicate diabetes, while low levels indicate problems with the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes (insulin-dependent diabetes) is caused by insulin deficiency and Type 2 diabetes (noninsulin-dependent diabetes) is characterized by insulin resistance.

Reasons for Undergoing the Insulin Fasting Test

The insulin fasting test is a crucial diagnostic tool for assessing insulin production and blood sugar regulation in the body. There are several key reasons why your doctor may advise you to take this test:

To determine the cause of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if you experience symptoms like trembling, sweating, confusion, irregular heartbeats, and extreme hunger

To identify insulin resistance, a condition where your body’s cells do not respond normally to insulin, leading to elevated blood sugar levels

To screen for diseases like prediabetes, diabetes, and gestational diabetes, and to manage them if already diagnosed

To monitor the treatment of type 2 diabetes and decide whether you need to take insulin as part of your treatment plan

To detect the presence of an insulin-producing tumor in the pancreas (insulinoma), indicated by high insulin levels with low blood glucose

To assess the functioning of your pancreas, including monitoring after surgeries like islet cell transplantation or removal of an insulinoma

List of Parameters Considered During the Insulin Fasting Test

The serum insulin test measures several key parameters to assess your body’s insulin production and glucose regulation. These include:

Insulin Levels: Measuring the amount of insulin in your blood after fasting helps indicate how well your body is producing and using insulin. High levels can suggest insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, or an insulin-producing tumor, while low levels may indicate type 1 diabetes or pancreatitis.

Blood Glucose Levels: Often measured along with insulin levels, blood glucose helps diagnose conditions such as hypoglycemia, hyperglycemia, and insulin resistance.

C-peptide and Proinsulin Levels: These insulin precursors help distinguish between endogenous (body-produced) and exogenous (externally administered) insulin. High levels along with high insulin and low glucose can indicate an insulinoma.

Home Collection for Insulin Fasting Test Near You

At Hospitalanddoctors.com Healthcare, we understand your convenience and well-being. That’s why we offer a seamless home sample collection service for your fasting insulin tests. Our skilled and trained phlebotomists will visit your home to collect your blood sample, adhering to the highest standards of safety and precision in sample handling.

You can rely on us for accurate, dependable results, ensuring that your health is in trusted hands. With our commitment to accessible healthcare, you can experience our top-notch diagnostic services from the comfort of your home. Choose Hospitalanddoctors.com Healthcare for a hassle-free, efficient healthcare experience.