This blood test measures fasting insulin and is helpful in the diagnosis of insulin resistance and type II diabetes.

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas in response to eating carbohydrates. Insulin facilitates the transport of the carbohydrates and sugars from the bloodstream into the cells. Once inside, the sugars are used by the cells to make energy.

Excess insulin is clinically defined when levels are equal to or greater than 15 µIU/mL. Insulin resistance, the hallmark of type II diabetes, occurs with excessive carbohydrate intake. In this case, insulin does not work optimally to drive glucose into the cells and tissues and results in high blood glucose. Excessive high blood glucose levels can have numerous adverse consequences including: cardiovascular disease, nerve damage and kidney problems.