PDF download Download Article PDF download Download Article

Believe it or not, insulin testing is different from traditional blood sugar testing. While blood sugar tests provide your blood sugar levels, insulin tests pinpoint low blood sugar, insulin resistance, along with other conditions, like pancreatic tumors.[1] If you’re interested in getting your insulin tested, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover all the answers to your frequently asked, insulin test-related questions.

Question 2 of 7:

Are insulin and blood sugar tests the same?

PDF download Download Article
  1. A blood sugar test uses an at-home blood sugar meter or continuous glucose monitor (CGM) to analyze your blood sugar levels.[3] An insulin test is a medical test that measures how much insulin is in your blood.[4]
    • Insulin tests can also figure out the cause of low blood sugar levels, or hypoglycemia.
    • Insulin resistance is a condition where your cells don’t use insulin well and can’t process glucose as easily. Because of this, your pancreas ends up producing even more insulin.[5]
Question 3 of 7:

When should I get my insulin tested?

PDF download Download Article
  1. If you’re experiencing dizziness, blurry vision, huge hunger pangs, confusion, irregular heartbeat, sweating, or trembling, you might have hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar. An insulin test can provide a more concrete diagnosis.[6]
  2. 2
    Your doctor might advise getting tested if you’re diabetic. An insulin test helps your doctor keep an eye on your insulin production. Your doctor might also recommend a test if they believe that you have insulin resistance, even if you aren’t diabetic.[7]
  3. Advertisement
Question 5 of 7:

How do you measure your insulin levels?

PDF download Download Article
Question 7 of 7:

What do my test results look like?

PDF download Download Article
  1. [11] If your test results are “high,” you might have high blood sugar (hypoglycemia), insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, an adrenal gland disorder, or a pancreatic tumor (insulinoma). If your results are “low,” you could have type 1 diabetes, low blood sugar (hyperglycemia), or an inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis). Talk to your doctor to see what they think about your results.[12]
  2. Advertisement


Expert Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How can I better control my insulin levels with diet?
    Damaris Vega, MD
    Damaris Vega, MD
    Board Certified Endocrinologist
    Dr. Damaris Vega is a board certified Endocrinologist. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico with a BS in General Science and subsequently earned an MD from the Ponce School of Medicine, Ponce, PR. During medical school, Dr. Vega served as president of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and was selected as her school's representative for the American Association of Medical Colleges. She then completed a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, Mineral, and Metabolism at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Dr. Vega has been recognized for excellent patient care multiple times by the National Committee for Quality Assurance and received the Patients' Choice Award in 2008, 2009, and 2015. She is a fellow of the American College of Clinical Endocrinologists and is an active member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American Diabetes Association, and the Endocrine Society. Dr. Vega is also the founder and CEO of Houston Endocrinology Center as well as a principal investigator for multiple clinical trials at Juno Research, LLC.
    Damaris Vega, MD
    Board Certified Endocrinologist
    Expert Answer
    The most important thing is to limit your carbohydrate intake, and choose carbohydrates that are better for you. For instance, you might opt for brown rice instead of white rice, and have a smaller portion. Also, opt for carbohydrates from fresh fruits and vegetables rather than processed foods.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
Advertisement

Tips

Submit a Tip
All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Name
Please provide your name and last initial
Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

About This Article

Damaris Vega, MD
Co-authored by:
Board Certified Endocrinologist
This article was co-authored by Damaris Vega, MD and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Dr. Damaris Vega is a board certified Endocrinologist. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico with a BS in General Science and subsequently earned an MD from the Ponce School of Medicine, Ponce, PR. During medical school, Dr. Vega served as president of the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society and was selected as her school's representative for the American Association of Medical Colleges. She then completed a residency in Internal Medicine and a fellowship in Endocrinology, Diabetes, Mineral, and Metabolism at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School. Dr. Vega has been recognized for excellent patient care multiple times by the National Committee for Quality Assurance and received the Patients' Choice Award in 2008, 2009, and 2015. She is a fellow of the American College of Clinical Endocrinologists and is an active member of the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, the American Diabetes Association, and the Endocrine Society. Dr. Vega is also the founder and CEO of Houston Endocrinology Center as well as a principal investigator for multiple clinical trials at Juno Research, LLC. This article has been viewed 52,910 times.
20 votes - 79%
Co-authors: 4
Updated: August 25, 2021
Views: 52,910
Categories: Insulin

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 52,910 times.

Did this article help you?

Advertisement