Insulin (402)

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:

1. Haff ner S. Relationship of Metabolic Risk Factors and Development of Cardiovascular Disease and Diabetes. Obesity. 2006;14(Suppl 3):121S-127S.