Insulin

Understanding the marker

Insulin helps glucose move from the blood into cells. The blood level is interpreted with glucose and the timing of meals.

Insulin changes in response to blood sugar and meals. The test can help answer specific clinical questions when read with glucose, sampling conditions and medicines. A single result does not establish how sensitive the body is to insulin.

What does high Insulin mean?

Insulin normally rises after eating. A high result is assessed with glucose, fasting status and any medicines. It does not on its own establish insulin resistance or a need for treatment.

What does low Insulin mean?

A low insulin level can be appropriate when blood sugar is low. Interpretation depends on the glucose measured at the same time, meal timing and any treatment; the insulin result alone does not show whether production is inadequate.