A fasting insulin test measures the level of insulin in the blood after a period of fasting. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels by facilitating the uptake of glucose into cells for energy.
This test is commonly used to evaluate insulin resistance, a condition in which the body's cells do not respond effectively to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance is often associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes, and other metabolic disorders.
A fasting insulin test may be ordered along with other tests such as fasting glucose, HbA1c, or glucose tolerance test to assess overall glucose regulation. Abnormal results may indicate insulin resistance, prediabetes, or diabetes.
The test involves fasting for a period of time (usually overnight) before blood is drawn for analysis. It is important to follow any instructions provided by your healthcare provider before taking the test and to discuss the results with them for proper interpretation and management.
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