The Insulin-Fasting test is a blood test used to measure the level of insulin in a person’s blood after a period of fasting. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The test is usually done after an overnight fast of at least 8 hours, during which the person is not allowed to eat or drink anything except water. The insulin-fasting test is used to diagnose insulin resistance, a condition in which the body’s cells do not respond properly to insulin, leading to high blood sugar levels. Insulin resistance is a common feature of type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome, and the insulin-fasting test is often used as part of a comprehensive metabolic panel to assess a person’s risk for these conditions. The test is safe and generally well-tolerated, but some people may experience mild discomfort or bruising at the site where the blood is drawn.
