Understanding the Insulin Blood Test
The Insulin Blood Test is a crucial diagnostic tool used to measure the amount of insulin, a hormone produced by the pancreas, in your blood. Insulin plays a vital role in regulating your body’s glucose levels, aiding cells in absorbing glucose from your bloodstream. It’s especially important for diagnosing and managing conditions like diabetes and insulin resistance.
Why Insulin Testing Matters
Insulin tests are pivotal in both conventional medicine and functional medicine realms. Medically, it helps diagnose various conditions related to insulin production and action, such as type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and hypoglycemia. From a functional medicine perspective, understanding insulin levels can guide lifestyle and dietary interventions, helping prevent chronic diseases by managing blood sugar levels effectively.
Labs Included in Your Order
| Test Name | Reference Range | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Insulin Blood Test | Less than 17 mcU/mL (normal measurement of free insulin) | Measures the amount of insulin in the blood to diagnose and monitor diabetes and hypoglycemia. |
According to University of Rochester Medical Center, “A normal measurement of free insulin is less than 17 mcU/mL. You may have a false-low result if you have a health problem that’s damaging red blood cells.”
FAQs
What is the Insulin Blood Test for?
This test measures insulin levels to help diagnose diabetes, insulin resistance, and hypoglycemia.
What causes high and low levels?
High insulin levels can be caused by excessive insulin production, insulin resistance, or intake of exogenous insulin. Low levels may indicate inadequate insulin production by the pancreas.
What are the signs and symptoms of the issue this test is testing for?
Symptoms of imbalanced insulin levels include excessive thirst, frequent urination, hunger, fatigue, blurred vision, and for low levels specifically, sweating, trembling, and confusion.
How often should I retest?
Retesting frequency depends on your medical condition and the advice of your healthcare provider.
How accurate is the test?
Insulin tests are highly accurate when performed under the correct pre-test conditions, such as fasting.
Are test results private and confidential?
Lab results are provided securely through your TrueHealthLabs.com results tab under “My Account.” Results may be provided to local, state, or federal health authorities, but only when legally required, as in the case of communicable diseases like STDs or COVID-19. Review our privacy policy for more details.
To learn more, see our comprehensive guide to the Insulin Blood test.
References
Reviewed by Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Labs team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
