What is the purpose of this test?
The Insulin Response Blood Test, 3 Specimens, is designed to measure how well your body responds to glucose by monitoring insulin levels at three different intervals after consuming a glucose solution. This test provides important insights into how efficiently your body can manage blood sugar over time, which can be crucial for understanding your risk for insulin resistance, prediabetes, or diabetes.
This test involves fasting beforehand, followed by a glucose intake to stimulate insulin production, then blood samples taken at timed intervals. The test results reveal how your body processes glucose over several hours, helping detect any abnormalities in your insulin response that could point to potential health concerns, such as metabolic disorders or diabetes.
The Insulin Response Blood Test, 3 Specimens includes:
- Fasting Specimen: A baseline blood sample collected after an overnight fast, which measures your body’s insulin level before glucose intake.
- 30 Minutes Post-Glucose: A sample taken 30 minutes after consuming the glucose solution, which helps gauge your body’s initial insulin response to a glucose challenge.
- 60 Minutes Post-Glucose: A sample collected 60 minutes after glucose intake to evaluate how sustained your insulin response is and how well your body handles blood sugar.
Who should get this test?
- Individuals with a family history of diabetes or insulin resistance.
- Those experiencing symptoms like fatigue, increased hunger, or frequent urination.
- People who are overweight or have a high body mass index (BMI).
- Individuals with high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels.
- Those with a history of gestational diabetes.
- Individuals who want to monitor blood sugar and insulin health proactively.
Benefits of the Insulin Response Blood Test, 3 Specimens:
- Early detection – Helps identify insulin resistance or prediabetes before symptoms appear.
- Comprehensive glucose response – Measures insulin at key intervals, providing a full picture of your body's response to sugar.
- Risk assessment – Evaluates your risk for developing diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
- Personalized insights – Allows you and your healthcare provider to tailor dietary and lifestyle choices based on your results.
- Health monitoring – Aids in tracking changes in insulin sensitivity over time for ongoing health management.
Sample Report
Also Known As:
Insulin, Three Specimens
Preparation:
Fasting for at least 12 hours is required. Patients should stop biotin consumption at least 72 hours prior to the collection. Patients should be on a high-carbohydrate diet for 3 days prior to testing.
Test Results:
4-5 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
