Insulin
Formal name: Insulin
At a Glance
Why Get Tested?
To help evaluate insulin production, diagnose an insulinoma, and to help determine the cause of hypoglycemia
When to Get Tested?
When you have documented hypoglycemia; when you have symptoms suggesting insulin either is being inappropriately released or utilized by your body; when you have diabetes and your doctor wants to monitor your insulin production; sometimes to document insulin resistance
Sample Required?
A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm
Test Preparation Needed?
You may be asked to fast for 8 hours before the blood sample is collected; occasionally your doctor may do the test at other times, such as when a glucose tolerance test is done. In some cases, your doctor may request that you fast longer.
