Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas. The role of insulin is to control glucose levels in the blood. It also plays a part in controlling the levels of carbohydrates and fats stored in the body.
Insulin is released from the pancreas when glucose levels rise following a meal. Insulin helps glucose to be taken up by the cells of the body. Insulin then signals the liver to store excess glucose as fats and carbohydrates.
Insulin is vital to human survival. Without it, glucose is not able to leave the blood stream and be used as an energy source in the cells of the body. If glucose is not able to be deposited into target cells, muscle cells starve and blood glucose levels rise to dangerous levels. Eventually these increased glucose levels over a long period can result in a life-threatening condition known as diabetic coma.
Individuals with type 1 diabetes only produce small amounts of insulin and need to take insulin injections several times a day to maintain healthy levels. Individuals with type 2 diabetes usually are able to produce insulin with insulin levels often being high; however the body does not respond normally to insulin. This is called insulin resistance. Type 2 diabetics require medication that increases their sensitization to insulin or increases insulin levels. Some type 2 diabetics may also require injections to maintain insulin levels.
Balancing Insulin
It is vital that insulin and glucose levels remain balanced as deviation can lead to a myriad of problematic symptoms and even death. An excess amount of insulin is known as ‘hyperinsulinaemia’. This can happen if too much insulin has been injected or if there is an insulin-producing tumour. Hyperinsulinaemia causes hypoglycaemia which can lead to a number of symptoms:
Symptoms of Hypoglycaemia:
- Sweating
- Rapid Heart Beat (Tachycardia)
- Hunger
- Confusion and Cognitive issues
- Visual problems
- Seizures
The brain is completely dependent on blood glucose for energy, without adequate amount of glucose being fed to the brain, hyperinsulinaemia can lead to death.
Testing for insulin can help to determine whether there are issues with blood glucose being used in the cells of the body; it is vital that it is addressed if there is a problem with low insulin production or insulin resistance as lack of care can be fatal.
Specimen Requirements
Blood specimen/s are required for this test.
Patient Preparation
A minimum of 8 hours fasting prior to sample collection is required for this test.
Specimen Collection
Once the practitioner has given the patient their request form, the patient takes it to their nearest Australian Clinical Labs collection centre. Find the closest collection centre at clinicallabs.com.au/location.
Turnaround Time
Standard turnaround time for this test is 5-10 business days.
Price
$31.10
Additional $20.00 collection fee applies to this test.
Payment
No prepayment required. Patients will be billed once the testing is completed.
Code
INS
Test Results
Patient results are delivered to the referring practitioner via electronic download unless requested otherwise. Results can also be issued via hardcopy or fax.
