Test Code 402
Test Details
Insulin
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
Patient Preparation
None
Preferred Specimen
1.0 mL serum (0.5 mL minimum) collected in serum separator tube (SST/Tiger Top)
Alternate Specimen
None
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)
Stability
Refrigerated: 5 days
Lab Values
Insulin
Non-Diabetics
- Optimal: <10 µU/mL
- Borderline: 10-15 µU/mL
- Increased Risk: >15 µU/mL
Diabetics
- Borderline: 5-15 µU/mL
- Increased Risk: <5 or >15 µU/mL
Clinical Significance
Insulin
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.
Treatment Options
Insulin
- Lifestyle modification
- Glucose stabilizing and/or insulin sensitizing medications
- Glucose lowering medications
