Insulin in Blood
Explanation
An insulin blood test measures the hormone insulin. The result is interpreted with blood glucose and sometimes C-peptide to assess how the body is producing and using insulin.
What does the test measure?
The test measures insulin in a blood sample. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps glucose, or blood sugar, move from the blood into cells for energy.
Why is glucose checked with insulin?
The same insulin value can mean different things depending on the blood glucose level and the reason for testing. Looking at both results can help investigate low blood glucose, insulin resistance, which means the body does not respond to insulin as well as expected, or how much insulin the pancreas is producing.
What is C-peptide?
C-peptide is another substance measured in blood to assess the body’s own insulin production. It remains in the blood longer than insulin, so it can sometimes give a clearer picture of how much insulin the pancreas is making.
Can one insulin result diagnose insulin resistance?
No. A single insulin value cannot diagnose insulin resistance by itself. Timing, glucose results, medicines, symptoms, and other clinical information all affect interpretation. The test measures insulin in the body and is different from information about insulin medicines.
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