Insulin in Blood Test
An insulin in blood test measures the amount of insulin in your blood. Insulin is a hormone that helps move sugar from your blood into your cells for energy. This test can help find the cause of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), check for insulin resistance, guide diabetes treatment, or monitor a pancreas transplant.
What this test measures
This test measures the amount of insulin in a sample of your blood. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps move blood glucose into your cells for energy.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
If your insulin level is high and your blood glucose is normal or slightly above normal, you may have insulin resistance. If your insulin level is high or normal and blood glucose is low, you may have hypoglycemia from too much insulin, possibly due to a pancreatic tumor (insulinoma), Cushing's syndrome, or taking too much insulin for diabetes.
Lower-than-normal results
If your insulin level is low and your blood glucose is high, it may mean your pancreas can't make enough insulin. Possible causes include type 1 diabetes and pancreatitis.
Frequently asked questions
What is an insulin in blood test?
It measures the amount of insulin in your blood. Insulin is a hormone that helps move blood sugar into your cells for energy.
Why is this test done?
It is mainly used to find the cause of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). It can also help diagnose insulin resistance, guide type 2 diabetes treatment, or monitor a pancreas transplant.
What does a high insulin level mean?
If your insulin is high and blood glucose is normal or slightly high, you may have insulin resistance. If insulin is high or normal and blood glucose is low, you may have hypoglycemia from too much insulin.
What does a low insulin level mean?
If your insulin is low and blood glucose is high, it may mean your pancreas can't make enough insulin, possibly due to type 1 diabetes or pancreatitis.
How are insulin test results interpreted?
Your provider will consider your medical history and results of other tests, including a blood glucose test, to understand what your results mean.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Insulin in Blood — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.