Fasting Insulin Test: Price, Normal Range, Preparation

What Is an Insulin (Fasting) Test?

An Insulin (Fasting) test measures the level of insulin in your blood after fasting. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, which helps regulate blood glucose levels by allowing glucose to enter cells, where it is used for energy or stored

The test is primarily used to assess how well the body is responding to insulin and managing blood glucose. It can help diagnose insulin resistance, hyperinsulinaemia (too much insulin), or insulin-producing tumours (insulinomas) in the pancreas. The test also aids in identifying conditions like hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycaemia (high blood glucose), which can lead to serious health issues such as diabetes

Imbalances in insulin production or response can result in conditions like type 2 diabetes, where the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or, in cases of excess insulin, lead to dangerously low blood sugar. By measuring insulin levels, the test provides valuable insight into how effectively the body is controlling blood sugar and can guide treatment decisions for metabolic disorders.

Insulin (Fasting) Test Price

The Insulin test price is around Rs. 900/- approx.

You can conveniently have your blood sample collected from home with Orange Health Labs, ensuring a comfortable testing experience. The Insulin (Fasting) test cost includes home sample collection. However, the Insulin (Fasting) test price may change depending on your location and the laboratory you choose. The test prices across various cities are as follows:

Fasting Insulin Test Cost Across India

S.No	Test In City	Price
1	Insulin - Fasting Test in Bangalore	₹ 900
2	Insulin - Fasting Test in Gurgaon	₹ 800
3	Insulin - Fasting Test in Delhi	₹ 800
4	Insulin - Fasting Test in Hyderabad	₹ 800
5	Insulin - Fasting Test in Mumbai	₹ 800
6	Insulin - Fasting Test in Noida	₹ 800

Preparations for the Insulin (Fasting) Test

The following preparations are needed for the Insulin (Fasting) test:
Fasting for a minimum of 8 hours before the test is required.
Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, as some medicines can affect insulin levels and may need to be temporarily discontinued.

Insulin (Fasting) Test Procedure

The Insulin (Fasting) test is a quick and minimally invasive procedure that involves a simple blood sample collection. When you schedule your test with Orange Health Labs, a skilled eMedic will come to your preferred location to collect the sample. The process follows these steps

Preparation : The eMedic will explain the procedure, answer any questions you may have, and make sure you're comfortably seated for the test.
Site Selection : The eMedic will select a vein in your arm and sterilise the area around it.
Needle Insertion : A needle will be gently inserted into the vein to draw the blood, which may cause a slight pinch.
Blood Collection : A small amount of blood will be collected into a vial.
Needle Removal : After the sample is taken, the needle will be removed, and pressure will be applied at the puncture site to stop any bleeding.
Bandaging : A bandage will be placed over the puncture site to keep it protected.

Results are typically available within 12 hours of sample collection.

Why Take the Insulin (Fasting) Test?

The Insulin (Fasting) test is typically done to assess how well the body is managing insulin and blood sugar levels. The test is useful as it:

Helps identify how well the body responds to insulin, which can indicate conditions like type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, or insulin resistance (when cells do not use glucose efficiently).
Identifies risk factors for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Assists in understanding how effectively the body manages blood sugar levels, including identifying hypoglycaemia.
Monitors individuals with existing metabolic disorders such as diabetes to assess improvements or worsening of their condition.
Identifies pancreatic tumours that produce insulin, known as “insulinomas,” and helps determine whether tumour removal has been successful or if recurrence has occurred.
Monitors the progression of type 2 diabetes, especially when it escalates to the point where insulin is necessary.
Evaluates the success of islet cell transplants, which are meant to restore insulin-producing capability in individuals whose pancreas no longer produces adequate insulin.

Who Should Take the Insulin (Fasting) Test?

The Insulin (Fasting) test is typically recommended for individuals who are at risk of or showing signs of insulin resistance or metabolic disorders. It is recommended for individuals with:

Obesity, as excess weight increases the risk of insulin resistance.
A family history of diabetes, as genetic factors, increase the likelihood of insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.
High blood pressure or high cholesterol, as these conditions are often linked to metabolic syndrome.
Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight.
A history of gestational diabetes, as they are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Symptoms of hypoglycaemia, such as dizziness, fatigue, or shaking.

Signs That Indicate the Need for an Insulin (Fasting) Test

Certain symptoms and risk factors may suggest the need for an Insulin (Fasting) test to help assess insulin resistance or other metabolic issues. These include:

Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight, which may indicate insulin resistance.
Increased hunger or cravings, particularly for sugary foods, suggest potential blood sugar imbalances.
Frequent urination or excessive thirst, which could be a sign of high blood sugar levels.
Fatigue or low energy, which may result from poor blood sugar regulation.
Darkened skin patches (acanthosis nigricans), often around the neck or armpits, are a common sign of insulin resistance.
High blood pressure or high cholesterol, which are linked to metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance.
Hypoglycaemia symptoms, such as dizziness, shaking, or confusion.

Insulin (Fasting) Test Results and Interpretation

The table below outlines the normal range for Fasting Insulin tests and conditions that may cause insulin levels to deviate from these norms:

Parameter	Biological Reference	Interpretation of Results
Insulin, Fasting	2.3-26 µU/mL	Higher-than-normal levels of insulin are associated with conditions such as obesity, Cushing's syndrome, acromegaly, insulinoma, contraceptive use, and early stage of type 2 diabetes. Lower-than-normal levels are associated with conditions such as type 1 diabetes, late stage of type 2 diabetes, and chronic pancreatitis.

Consult your doctor to understand what your test results reveal about your health.

FAQs on Insulin (Fasting) Test

Insulin (Fasting) Test Cost in Bangalore: ₹ 900
Insulin (Fasting) Test Price in Delhi: ₹ 800
Insulin (Fasting) Test Cost in Gurgaon: ₹ 800
Insulin (Fasting) Test Price in Hyderabad: ₹ 800
Insulin (Fasting) Test Cost in Mumbai: ₹ 800
Insulin (Fasting) Test Price in Noida: ₹ 800

Yes, you need to fast for 8–12 hours before the test.

People with diabetes risk obesity, PCOS, or symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, or sugar cravings.

They may indicate insulin resistance, prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, or other metabolic issues.

Yes, Orange Health offers home sample collection within 60 mins of booking and reports delivered quickly.

What Does the Insulin (Fasting) Test Measure?

The Insulin (Fasting) test measures the level of insulin in your blood after fasting for 8-12 hours. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas that plays a key role in regulating blood sugar (glucose) levels. By measuring fasting insulin levels, the test helps evaluate how well your body is managing blood sugar and insulin production. High insulin levels may indicate insulin resistance, a condition where the body's cells do not respond properly to insulin, often leading to type 2 diabetes or metabolic syndrome. Low insulin levels may suggest insufficient insulin production, which can be seen in conditions like type 1 diabetes.

Insulin (Fasting) Test Normal Range

The normal range for the Insulin (Fasting) test is typically between 2.3-26 µU/mL . Insulin levels within this range suggest that the body is producing and using insulin effectively, indicating normal blood sugar regulation. Insulin levels within this range generally indicate a healthy metabolic function, where the body's cells are responding well to insulin. However, values above or below this range can indicate potential health concerns, such as insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production, which may require further investigation or management.

Factors That Affect Your Insulin (Fasting) Test Results

Several factors can influence the results of the Insulin (Fasting) test, as follows:

Nutrient Availability and Diet:

Fatty foods & insulin resistance: The excessive intake of fatty foods can impair insulin function, leading to higher insulin levels.
Obesity and insulin resistance: Obesity can lead to increased glucose production and lipid buildup in the liver, disrupting insulin signalling, which may result in elevated insulin levels during the test.
Dietary influence on hyperinsulinemia: A high-fat diet can stimulate excess insulin production.

Age and Insulin Deficiency:

Age-related insulin resistance: As you age, insulin production may decline, particularly in those over 30 years of age with type 1 diabetes. This can lead to lower insulin levels than expected during the test.
Insulin deficiency: Severe insulin deficiency, like in type 1 diabetes, can result in abnormal test results, showing insufficient insulin production to manage glucose.

Hyperinsulinemia (Excess Insulin Production):

Obesity and type 2 diabetes: Insulin resistance causes the pancreas to produce excess insulin, leading to hyperinsulinemia, which can result in elevated insulin levels during the test.
Pathophysiological impact: Hyperinsulinemia can cause mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, impacting insulin sensitivity and potentially skewing test results.
Rare causes: Conditions like insulinomas or nesidioblastosis, which cause excess insulin production, can result in extremely high insulin levels, leading to abnormal test results.
Tumours producing insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2): Tumours in the body that produce IGF-2 can also influence insulin levels, leading to higher insulin measurements.
Insulin & lipid metabolism: Alterations in how insulin interacts with lipid metabolism can also affect the test, potentially showing elevated insulin levels due to disrupted fat storage processes.
Other contributing factors: Other factors like acromegaly, Cushing's syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and certain drugs like corticosteroids, levodopa, and oral contraceptives may also lead to high insulin levels.

Insulin Therapy and Transplantation:

Insulin administration: Insulin therapy, such as injections or the use of an artificial pancreas, may influence test results by artificially altering insulin levels in the blood.
Islet cell transplantation: If you have undergone islet cell transplantation, the test may show varying insulin levels as the body adjusts to the new insulin-producing cells.

Exercise and Insulin Activity:

Exercise and insulin sensitivity: Regular exercise can improve insulin sensitivity and potentially lower insulin levels in the blood, impacting the results of the test.

When to Seek Medical Advice Based on Insulin (Fasting) Test Results

If your Insulin (Fasting) test shows abnormal levels, you should seek medical advice. High insulin levels may indicate insulin resistance, seen in obesity, type 2 diabetes, or PCOS, and can lead to complications like heart disease. Low insulin may suggest type 1 diabetes and require insulin therapy. Symptoms like dizziness or confusion with high insulin could indicate insulin overproduction (e.g., insulinomas) and need immediate attention. Difficulty controlling blood sugar or diabetes symptoms with abnormal insulin levels should also prompt further evaluation.

Key Benefits of the Insulin (Fasting) Test

The Insulin (Fasting) test is a simple, noninvasive blood test that offers several key benefits as follows:

Early detection of insulin resistance: It helps identify insulin resistance, which is a major risk factor for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, allowing for early intervention.
Assessment of metabolic health: The test provides insights into how well your body is regulating blood sugar and insulin, helping to monitor and manage conditions like pre-diabetes and obesity.
Guides treatment and lifestyle changes: Abnormal results can prompt lifestyle adjustments, such as changes in diet and exercise, to improve insulin sensitivity and prevent the onset of diabetes.
Helps in managing existing conditions: For individuals already diagnosed with diabetes or metabolic disorders, the test helps track the effectiveness of treatments and monitor progress.

Common Conditions Diagnosed by the Insulin (Fasting) Test

The Insulin (Fasting) test can help diagnose several common conditions related to insulin regulation and metabolic health, including:

Insulin resistance: A condition where the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, often leading to higher insulin levels and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Pre-diabetes: Insulin resistance is often a precursor of pre-diabetes, where blood sugar levels are higher than normal but not yet in the diabetic range.
Type 2 diabetes: Elevated insulin levels may indicate the early stages of type 2 diabetes, especially when the body becomes resistant to insulin.
Metabolic syndrome: A cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and excess abdominal fat, often linked to insulin resistance.
Hypoglycaemia: Low insulin levels may indicate insufficient insulin production, which can contribute to hypoglycaemia.
PCOS: Insulin resistance is commonly associated with PCOS, a hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age.
Insulinomas: Rare tumours in the pancreas that produce insulin, often benign (non-cancerous). These can lead to excessive insulin production, resulting in hypoglycaemia.
Tumours producing insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF-2): Certain tumours in the body can produce IGF-2, a substance that can affect insulin levels, potentially leading to abnormal results on the test.

Risk Factors for Abnormal Insulin (Fasting) Levels

Several risk factors can contribute to abnormal insulin fasting levels, including:

Obesity and poor diet: Excess body fat, especially around the abdomen, and a diet high in processed foods, sugars, and unhealthy fats increase the risk of insulin resistance.
Family history and age: A genetic predisposition to diabetes and ageing raises the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity contributes to insulin resistance and poor blood sugar control.
High blood pressure and cholesterol: These often accompany insulin resistance and are part of metabolic syndrome.
PCOS: Women with a history of PCOS are more likely to develop insulin resistance.
Stress: Chronic stress increases cortisol, which may elevate insulin levels and disrupt blood sugar regulation.

Complications of Untreated Abnormal Insulin Fasting Levels

Untreated abnormal insulin fasting levels can lead to several serious complications, including:

Type 2 diabetes: Prolonged insulin resistance can lead to type 2 diabetes, where blood sugar regulation fails.
Heart disease and stroke: High insulin levels and insulin resistance increase the risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke due to cholesterol and inflammation.
Kidney and nerve damage: Chronic high insulin levels can lead to kidney disease and nerve damage, causing pain and loss of sensation, especially in the extremities.
Vision problems: Insulin resistance increases the risk of diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to vision loss.
Fatty liver and PCOS: Insulin resistance contributes to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and worsens PCOS symptoms, including infertility.

How to Maintain Healthy Insulin Fasting Levels

Maintaining healthy insulin and fasting levels is essential for metabolic health and preventing conditions like insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Here are some steps to help maintain healthy insulin and fasting levels:

Eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly: Focus on whole foods, limit processed carbohydrate and aim for 150 minutes of aerobic exercise with strength training twice a week to improve insulin sensitivity.
Try intermittent fasting: Consider limiting your eating window to boost insulin sensitivity and maintain a healthy weight.
Manage stress and get quality sleep: Practice stress management techniques like meditation and practice good sleep hygiene to support insulin function.
Stay hydrated and limit alcohol: Drink plenty of water and reduce alcohol intake to prevent a negative impact on insulin sensitivity.
Monitor insulin and blood sugar levels: Track your insulin levels regularly and consult a doctor for proper management and supplementation (with caution).

Other Similar Tests That Can Diagnose the Same

C-Peptide Test: A test that measures the level of C-peptide, a byproduct of insulin production. It can help determine how much insulin the body is making, similar to the Insulin (Fasting) test used to assess insulin resistance
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): Measures how efficiently your body processes glucose. It can help diagnose insulin resistance and diabetes, similar to the Insulin (Fasting) test, by checking blood sugar levels after consuming a glucose solution.
HbA1c Test: This test measures the average blood sugar levels over the past 2-3 months. It's often used to diagnose prediabetes, diabetes, and assess long-term blood sugar control, much like the Insulin (Fasting) test
Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG): Similar to the Insulin (Fasting) test, this test measures blood sugar levels after an overnight fast. It helps diagnose diabetes and prediabetes by checking how the body manages blood sugar in a fasting state
Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR): This test calculates insulin resistance by using fasting insulin and fasting glucose levels, providing insight into the body’s ability to handle glucose and insulin, similar to the Insulin (Fasting) test
Lipid Profile: While not specific for insulin resistance, this test measures cholesterol levels and triglycerides. Abnormal results, such as high triglycerides, may indicate an increased risk of insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome

Difference Between the Insulin (Fasting) Test and Other Similar Tests

Below are key differences between the Insulin (Fasting) test and other related tests: -14

Insulin (Fasting) test vs. C-Peptide test

The Insulin (Fasting) test measures insulin levels after fasting, which helps assess insulin resistance, while the C-Peptide test measures the byproduct of insulin production to assess insulin release by the pancreas.
Both tests are important for understanding insulin function and glucose metabolism, but the C-peptide test offers a clearer picture of insulin production, while the Insulin (Fasting) test gives insight into insulin levels in the blood.

Insulin (Fasting) test vs. OGTT

The Insulin (Fasting) test measures fasting insulin to assess insulin resistance, while the OGTT checks blood sugar response to diagnose diabetes.
Both tests are useful in diagnosing different aspects of glucose metabolism, but OGTT is considered a more comprehensive test than a fasting insulin test for diagnosing glucose intolerance and diabetes.

Insulin (Fasting) test vs. Haemoglobin A1c test

The Insulin (Fasting) test measures insulin levels to check insulin resistance, while the Haemoglobin A1c test shows average blood sugar over 3 months.
The Insulin (Fasting) test checks insulin function, while the Haemoglobin A1c test monitors long-term blood sugar control.

Insulin (Fasting) test vs. FPG

The Insulin (Fasting) test measures fasting insulin for insulin resistance, while the FPG test checks fasting blood sugar for diabetes.
Both tests are useful for assessing metabolic health and can be used together to provide a better picture of how the body is managing glucose.

Insulin (Fasting) test vs. HOMA-IR

The Insulin (Fasting) test measures fasting insulin, while HOMA-IR combines fasting glucose and insulin levels.
While the Insulin (Fasting) test is useful for assessing insulin levels, HOMA-IR gives a clearer picture of the severity of insulin resistance, making it a more comprehensive tool for evaluating metabolic health and the risk of type 2 diabetes and related conditions.

Insulin (Fasting) test vs. Lipid Profile:

The Insulin (Fasting) test measures insulin for resistance, while the lipid profile checks cholesterol and triglycerides.
Both tests are valuable but provide insights into different aspects of health, with the insulin test focusing on metabolic issues like diabetes and the lipid profile focusing on heart health.

Testing During Special Conditions

The Insulin (Fasting) test assesses insulin sensitivity and resistance by measuring insulin levels after fasting. However, certain conditions can influence test results, as follows:

Pregnancy: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect insulin and glucose levels which can affect test results. Pregnancy-related insulin resistance can lead to elevated fasting insulin levels.
Obesity: Insulin resistance is common in individuals with obesity and can lead to higher insulin levels even during fasting.
Insulinomas and nesidioblastosis (excessive insulin production due to a pancreatic issue): Insulinomas and nesidioblastosis can cause elevated insulin levels.
PCOS: Women with PCOS often experience insulin resistance, which can cause elevated fasting insulin levels.
Thyroid disorders: Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can both affect insulin resistance, causing higher insulin levels in the blood.
Metabolic syndrome: A condition characterised by a combination of high blood pressure, blood sugar, abdominal fat, and cholesterol is linked to insulin resistance and can increase fasting insulin levels.

Insulin - Fasting Test

Test Name	Insulin - Fasting Test
Price	The Insulin Fasting Test price is ₹ 900.
Also Known As	Blood Insulin Fasting, Diabetes test, Fasting Insulin, and Insulin Serum.
Purpose	To measure the amount of insulin in the blood.
Pre-test Information	Fasting is required for a Insulin Fasting Test
Report Delivery	Get reports within 12 hours.
Frequency	As prescribed by your doctor.
Home Testing	Yes, home blood sample collection in 60 minutes from booking.
Sample Required	A blood sample is required for an Insulin Fasting Test.

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