The Insulin test is useful in measuring the amount of insulin in your bloodstream. Insulin hormone, produced by the pancreas facilitates glucose entry into cells in muscles, fat, and the liver for energy. Imbalances in insulin production can lead to conditions like hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar). Thus, an insulin test is essential for assessing whether your insulin levels are within a normal range.

Insulin blood tests also aid doctors in diagnosing hypoglycaemia, evaluating insulin resistance, and determining the need for insulin therapy in type 2 diabetes patients. Additionally, the test is also useful in monitoring the success of pancreatic islet cell transplantation in type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disorder that destroys insulin-producing cells.

If you are someone living in Delhi and facing health issues due to insulin dysfunction, an Insulin blood test can help determine your pancreas's insulin production. Schedule an insulin fasting test in Delhi today to check your insulin levels.

• Prerequisites: You need to fast (avoid eating or drinking) for 10 to 12 hours before taking the Insulin test.

• Best Time to Get Tested: You can schedule the Fasting Insulin test at any time of the day, provided you have completed a 10- to 12-hour fasting period.

• Who Should Take an Insulin Fasting Test: While anyone can opt for this test, it is particularly recommended for:

• Individuals diagnosed with or at risk of conditions associated with insulin resistance, such as prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

• Individuals with low blood glucose levels or symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as sweating, confusion, shakiness, or dizziness.

• Individuals who have had pancreas surgery, such as removal of an insulinoma or islet cell transplantation to monitor insulin levels and assess treatment effectiveness.

Cautions Before Taking an Insulin Fasting Test: Generally, there are no special precautions for this test. However, if you take biotin supplements (vitamin B7) or medications containing biotin, your doctor might advise you to stop them at least one day before your test. Discontinue any medications only after consulting your doctor.

If a recent blood glucose test indicated low blood sugar levels, your doctor may recommend an Insulin Blood test to determine the cause. Symptoms of low blood sugar include:

• Hunger

• Weakness

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Anxiety

• Trembling

• Sweating

• Confusion

• Nausea

• Irritability

• Irregular heartbeat

Your doctor might also order this test to diagnose and monitor insulin resistance, especially if you have prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, PCOS, or heart disease. The Insulin Blood test helps guide treatment for type 2 diabetes by determining the need for insulin therapy. Other reasons for this test include:

• Assessing the effectiveness of islet cell transplantation, where insulin-producing pancreatic tissue is transplanted.

• After removal of an insulinoma, a benign (non-cancerous) pancreatic tumour causing excessive insulin production and low blood glucose, to ensure no tumour tissue remains and to monitor for recurrence.

To interpret the results of the Fasting Insulin tests and understand the conditions associated with it, refer to the table given below:

Consultation with your treating doctor is necessary to understand the results thoroughly.