MLT GlobeInsulin (fasting)
Diabetes · also called Serum insulin
What it measures
Insulin is the hormone produced by pancreatic beta cells to lower blood glucose. It is measured with glucose to investigate hypoglycaemia and to estimate insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).
Specimen and preparation
- Specimen: Serum or lithium-heparin plasma
- Tube: Gold top
- Preparation: Fasting 8–12 hours; avoid haemolysis (degrades insulin) and separate promptly.
Reference range
| Group | Range |
|---|---|
| Adult (fasting) | 2.6–24.9 (18–173) µIU/mL (pmol/L) |
Reference ranges differ between laboratories, methods and populations. Always use the range printed on your own lab report.
Causes of high values
- Insulin resistance (obesity, PCOS, type 2 diabetes)
- Insulinoma
- Exogenous insulin
- Acromegaly and Cushing syndrome
Causes of low values
- Type 1 diabetes
- Hypopituitarism
- Pancreatic destruction
Method
Chemiluminescent immunoassay
Good to know
HOMA-IR = fasting insulin (µIU/mL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL) ÷ 405.
Related tests
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