Insulin testing has several possible uses. Insulin is a hormone that is produced and stored in the beta cells of the pancreas. Insulin helps transport glucose , the body’s main source of energy, from the blood to within cells. If a person makes too little insulin or is resistant to its effects, cells starve.
To help evaluate insulin production by the beta cells in the pancreas; to help diagnose the presence of an insulin-producing tumor in the islet cells of the pancreas (insulinoma); to help determine the cause of low blood glucose (hypoglycemia); to help identify insulin resistance, or to help determine when a type 2 diabetic might need to start taking insulin to supplement oral medications.
Reference Range:
Insulin Level Insulin Level (SI Units*)
30 minutes after glucose administration 30-230 mIU/L 208-1597 pmol/L
1 hour after glucose administration 18-276 mIU/L 125-1917 pmol/L
2 hour after glucose administration 16-166 mIU/L 111-1153 pmol/L
