Insulin

About This Test
Insulin is the hormone that moves sugar from your blood into your cells for energy. Measuring insulin helps reveal how hard your pancreas is working and whether your body is becoming “insulin-resistant,” a key driver of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes. Doctors often interpret insulin together with glucose (same blood draw) to estimate insulin resistance (e.g., HOMA-IR). This test is commonly included in metabolic check-ups to guide early lifestyle or treatment decisions.

Patient Preparation
Fasting for 10 hours before the test, water only, subject to doctor instructions

Best Time to Test
Morning

Tests Included
Insulin

Why is it done
Evaluation of suspected insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome (weight gain around the waist, elevated BP, abnormal lipids); assessment of PCOS and irregular cycles; clarification of hypoglycemia symptoms; monitoring response to diet, exercise, or medications that affect insulin and glucose control.