Insulin, Fasting

The Fasting Insulin test measures the amount of insulin—a hormone produced by the pancreas—currently in your bloodstream after a period of not eating. While a glucose test tells you what your blood sugar is, the insulin test tells you how hard your body is working to keep that sugar stable. This makes it an essential tool for detecting insulin resistance long before it turns into Type 2 Diabetes.

What This Test Covers

• Serum Insulin Level: A measurement of the insulin currently circulating in your blood.

• Pancreatic Function: Evaluates how well your pancreas is producing insulin in response to your body's needs.

Why Order This Test?

• Detect Insulin Resistance: Identify if your cells are becoming numb to insulin, which is the primary driver of weight gain and metabolic syndrome.

• Prediabetes Screening: Catch metabolic changes early, even if your standard blood sugar levels still appear normal.

• PCOS Investigation: Highly useful for women investigating Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, which is often linked to high insulin levels.

• Weight Management: High fasting insulin makes it very difficult for the body to burn stored fat; this test helps identify that hormonal roadblock.

Fast and Private Results

• Preparation: This test requires a strict fast of 8 to 12 hours. Do not eat or drink anything except water before your blood draw.

• Turnaround Time: Results are typically available within 24 to 48 hours.

• Confidential: Your results are delivered securely to your private portal and are not shared with insurance providers.