Health Test Categories & Biomarkers

Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that plays a key role in regulating blood sugar (glucose) levels. Its primary function is to maintain stable blood sugar levels by facilitating uptake of glucose into cells, especially in response to meals.

Understanding your fasting insulin levels can provide important insights into your metabolic health. If your levels are outside the normal range, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.

Clinical Uses for the Insulin Test

Diagnosing insulin resistance: Helps in diagnosing insulin resistance, which is a precursor to type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
Monitoring diabetes treatment: Assists in monitoring the effectiveness of diabetes treatment plans.
Assessing pancreatic function: Provides insights into how well the pancreas produces insulin.

When to Test Insulin Levels

Significant unexplained weight changes: Gain or loss.
Blood sugar issues: Persistent high blood sugar levels or symptoms of hypoglycemia.
Metabolic concerns: Symptoms of metabolic syndrome or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Family history: Strong family history of diabetes or insulin resistance.

Abnormal Insulin Levels

Low Insulin Levels - Causes

Type 1 diabetes mellitus: The most common cause of low insulin levels, where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.
Advanced type 2 diabetes: In some cases, after years of overproducing insulin due to insulin resistance, the pancreas may become "exhausted" and start producing less insulin.
Pancreatic diseases: Conditions like pancreatitis, pancreatic cancer, or cystic fibrosis that damage the pancreas can reduce insulin production.
Autoimmune disorders: Other autoimmune conditions, like autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome, may target the pancreas and reduce insulin production.
Hypopituitarism: A condition where the pituitary gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, leading to secondary effects on insulin production.

Low Insulin Levels - Symptoms

Hyperglycemia: High blood sugar levels, leading to symptoms such as excessive thirst (polydipsia), frequent urination (polyuria), and dry mouth.
Weight loss: Despite eating normally, a lack of insulin can lead to weight loss because the body does not efficiently use glucose for energy.
Fatigue: Low energy due to the body's inability to use glucose efficiently.
Blurred vision: High blood sugar levels can cause fluid to be pulled from tissues, including the eye lenses, leading to vision problems.
Slow wound healing: High blood sugar levels can impair blood circulation and the immune system, slowing the healing process.

High Insulin Levels - Causes

Insulin resistance: The most common cause of high insulin levels, typically seen in Type 2 diabetes, where the body’s cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, leading the pancreas to produce more insulin.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): A condition in women that can lead to insulin resistance and elevated insulin levels.
Obesity: Excess fat, particularly abdominal fat, is associated with insulin resistance and higher insulin levels.
Insulinoma: A rare tumor of the pancreas that produces excessive amounts of insulin.
Excessive carbohydrate intake: A diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugars can lead to spikes in insulin production.

High Insulin Levels - Symptoms

Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels due to excess insulin, causing symptoms like shakiness, sweating, confusion, irritability, and seizures or unconsciousness in severe cases.
Weight gain: High insulin levels can promote fat storage, particularly around the abdomen.
Fatigue: Due to frequent episodes of low blood sugar.
Hunger: Excess insulin can lead to frequent hunger, particularly for sugary foods.
Skin changes: Dark, velvety patches of skin, particularly around the neck or armpits, known as acanthosis nigricans, can be a sign of high insulin levels.

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