HELP

[shaye65]

Yesterday I went and had a fasting insulin test done but when I called for my results today the nurse told me that my blood sugar was 73 and normal. This doesnt tell me my insulin results....am I correct? My blood sugar runs from 51 to 165, I test at home daily. How can I find out what my insulin test result really was? Thank you

[ScotchTape]

There's a good possibility **Insulin Test** is not what the doctor meant or what the lab interpreted even though the order had that written on it. Get clarification from the ordering doctor. If you are unsure of what you're being tested for clarify with the doctor prior to leaving the office and clarify again with the technician what the blood is being drawn for.

An HgbA1c measures the average GLUCOSE over the past three months, not insulin.

[shaye65]

Why isn't it called an Insulin test? That is what was SPECIFICALLY written on my lab orders. (Insulin)   I monitor my blood glucose at home daily, why would they make me come in and get blood drawn for something I do at home anyways? I just dont get your answer. I am asking for an A1c test so maybe I might get some true results. Any good advice will help because all this has me so confused.

[shaye65]

I really dont understand what you are saying because I specifically saw on my orders, **Insulin Test**! What do I need to do next other than ask for the A1c test?  The Insulin Test was SPECIFICALLY ordered if it was on the order as I know it was because I saw it myself.

[Anita Ramsetty, MD]

Hi,
It sounds like you had a fasting glucose test done which does not automatically measure insulin levels. Insulin levels are not usually measured unless specifically requested, and this is usually when looking for insulin resistant states( examples: metabolic syndrome , polycystic ovary syndrome) or investigating possibiity of an insulin producing tumor. Otherwise it is not commonly useful as a clinic measure in run-of-the-mill labs.
Take care.

[KevinHarney]

A fasting Insulin Test as you call it really isn't that.  It is a Fasting Glucose Test and it only measures Blood Sugars.  If you got an A1c test it measures Blood Sugars over and extended period of time - like 3 months.  The other test that you may be thinking of is a Glucose Torerance Test.  This test measures the body's ability to process a specific amount ofglucose over a specific period of time.  Neither one of these tests actually measures Insulin levels in your body just the ability of your body to use Insulin effectively or not.