📌 What is the Insulin - Fasting Test?
A blood test that measures insulin levels after fasting for at least 8-12 hours.
Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar (glucose) levels.
Used to assess insulin production, insulin resistance, and glucose metabolism.
🎯 Purpose of the Test
✅ Diagnoses insulin resistance, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes.
✅ Helps assess metabolic disorders, including metabolic syndrome.
✅ Evaluates hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) causes.
✅ Detects hyperinsulinemia (excess insulin production).
✅ Helps in diagnosing polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and insulinoma (insulin-producing tumors).
📊 Normal Ranges (May vary by laboratory and individual factors)
🔹 Normal Fasting Insulin Levels: 2 - 20 µU/mL
🔹 High Insulin Levels: May indicate insulin resistance, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, PCOS, obesity, or insulinoma.
🔹 Low Insulin Levels: May suggest type 1 diabetes, pancreatic dysfunction, or hypoglycemia.
📝 Test Procedure
1️⃣ Fasting for 8-12 hours before the test.
2️⃣ A blood sample is drawn from a vein.
3️⃣ The sample is analyzed using hormone assay techniques (e.g., immunoassay).
4️⃣ Results are interpreted alongside glucose levels to assess metabolic health.
⚠️ Who Should Get Tested?
🔹 People with risk factors for diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
🔹 Individuals with unexplained weight gain, fatigue, or frequent hunger.
🔹 Those experiencing low blood sugar episodes (dizziness, sweating, confusion).
🔹 Women with PCOS or fertility issues related to insulin levels.
✅ Why is This Test Important?
✔️ Early detection of insulin resistance and diabetes risk.
✔️ Helps prevent complications like cardiovascular disease, obesity, and nerve damage.
✔️ Guides treatment and lifestyle changes for metabolic health.