Insulin is a hormone responsible for the transportation and storage of glucose in cells. It regulates glucose levels in blood. This test measures the amount of insulin in blood.
Methodology:
Immunoassay
Insulin may be used in conjunction with glucose or glucose tolerance test to:
- Diagnose insulin resistance
- Diagnose insuloma
- Monitor amount of endogenous insulin production
- Determine when a type 2 diabetic may need to start insulin therapy
- Presence of insulin resistance indicates a higher risk to develop:1
- Type 2 diabetes
- Hypertension
- Hyperlipidemia
- Heart disease
- High doses of biotin (> 5 mg/day) may interfere with assay results. Patient assumed to be refraining from biotin supplementation for at least 3 days prior to blood draw.
References:
- Haff ner S. Relationship of Metabolic Risk Factors and Development of Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes. Obesity. 2006;14(Suppl 3):121S-127S.
