Test Description

Insulin is a hormone that is produced by the beta cells in the pancreas. Insulin regulates the transport of glucose into cells and plays a primary role in maintaining glucose within a narrow range. Elevated insulin levels and insulin resistance are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, pre-diabetes, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

When should this test be ordered?
When there is suspicion of insulin resistance or of other suspected conditions such as type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, heart disease or Syndrome X.
High Risk · Outside Reference Range
There may be some evidence of beta cell strain/ dysfunction/ failure. Consider losing excess weight, eating a healthy diet that is high in fiber and restricted in carbohydrates and getting regular amounts of exercise. Consider DPP4 or GLP-1.
Borderline Risk ·
Not applicable for this test.
Low Risk · Within Reference Range
Reference Range: 2.6-24.9 (µU/mL)

According to the NDIC, if results are normal, retesting should be considered every 3 years.
Testing Method Used
Electrochemilluminescence Immunoassay.

Sample is stable for 1 day at 2-8°C.

Please ship samples daily.
Improvements and Prevention
Modest weight loss or maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise can help prevent or delay type 2 diabetes. Patient’s at risk could benefit from lifestyle changes such as consuming a healthy diet, adequate sleep and regular physical activity.
Specimen Type
Serum
Fasting Required
Yes
Drawing and Processing
  1. Draw from a vein into a SST tubetube1
  2. Invert tube (do not shake) 1-2 times to mix adequately
  3. Let stand upright in tube rack for 30 minutes
  4. Centrifuge for 15 minutes at 3300rpm
  5. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 1 hour
  6. Keep cold in a refrigerator to maintain stability, until ready to ship
Shipping Instructions
  1. Freeze ice packs 24 hours prior to use
  2. Place ice packs inside the Styrofoam insulated kit
  3. Place processed tubes inside biohazard bag, place inside kit
  4. Seal box, print airbill and adhere to box and wait for courier to pick up
Rejection Criteria
Any level of hemolysis; moderately lipemic; QNS; temperature out of range upon receipt; wrong specimen type; sample stability exceeded for this analyte; unlabeled or mislabeled specimen.
References

1. Buse JB, Polonsky KS, Burant CF. Type 2 diabetes mellitus. In: Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, Kronenberg HM, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 31.

2. Eisenbarth S, Buse JB. Type 1 diabetes mellitus. In: Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR, Kronenberg HM, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 32.
3. Khan MI, Weinstock RS. Carbohydrates. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry’s Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2011:chap 16.
The information provided here is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used or substituted as medical advice. You should consult a healthcare practitioner regarding medical diagnosis or treatment.