INSULIN LEVEL ( FASTING )

Note

• Insulin levels can be useful in evaluating patients with fasting hypoglycemia, in determining insulin resistance in the general population, and in assessing abnormalities in beta cell secretory function.

• Levels are increased in insulinomas, factitious hypoglycemia, insulin autoimmune syndrome, acromegaly,cushing syndrome, corticosteroid administration and levodopa usage.Untreated obese mild diabetics.

• Levels are decreased to absent in diabetes mellitus, pituitary tumors and chronic pancreatic diseases i.e. cystic fibrosis.

• Type I (Insulin dependent: "Juvenile") diabetes is due to a destruction of the beta cells, with aconsequence of absolute lack of insulin.

• In type II (Non insulin-dependent: “maturity onset”) diabetes, insulin resistance may play an important role; however after several years of evolution, beta-cells failure may occur, leading to a relative insulinopenia requiring, in some cases, insulin administration. Insulin resistance is associated with high circulation levels of the hormone.

• For diagnostic purpose, results should always be assessed in conjunction with the patients medical history, clinical examination and other findings.

Remarks:

Insulin levels generally decline in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

In the early stage of type 2 diabetes, insulin levels are either normal or elevated. In the late stage of type 2 diabetes, insulin levels decline.