Description

Insulin Fasting Blood Test

Item # LC004333

Measures fasting insulin levels to help identify resistance
Fasting insulin levels may be elevated in people with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, but they may be abnormally low for those with type 1 diabetes or advanced type 2 diabetes. This blood test measures fasting insulin to help diagnose insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

This blood test measures fasting insulin and is helpful in the diagnosis of insulin resistance and type II diabetes.

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to eating carbohydrates. Insulin facilitates the transport of the carbohydrates and sugars from the bloodstream into the cells. Once inside, the sugars are used by the cells to make energy.

Excess insulin is clinically defined when levels are equal to or greater than 15 µIU/mL. Insulin resistance, the hallmark of type II diabetes, occurs with excessive carbohydrate intake. In this case, insulin does not work optimally to drive glucose into the cells and tissues and results in high blood glucose. Excessive high blood glucose levels can have numerous adverse consequences including: cardiovascular disease, nerve damage and kidney problems.

This test may be done fasting or 2-6 hours after eating. Both ways provide valuable information, though 2-6 hours after a meal provides a more realistic assessment of the state of your blood in everyday life. Stay hydrated and take your medications as prescribed.

The laboratory services are for informational purposes only. It is not the intention of National Diagnostics, Inc and Life Extension to provide specific medical advice but rather to provide users with information to better understand their health. Specific medical advice including diagnosis and treatment will not be provided. Always seek the advice of a trained health professional for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Both the physician and the testing laboratory are independent contractors with whom National Diagnostics, Inc makes arrangements for your blood tests. Neither National Diagnostics, Inc or Life Extension will be liable for any acts or omissions of the physician, the testing laboratory, or their agents or employees.