Insulin lowers blood glucose levels by promoting the transport of glucose from the bloodstream into the cells.
Insulin levels can be measured by radioimmunoassay, a technique that uses radioactive substances to determine the concentration of specific blood constituents .
Insulin levels are reported as microunits per milliliter (gU/mL).
Normal Range
4-20 gU/mL
Variations from Normal. Diseases such as acromegaly, Cushing's syndrome, and insulinoma (a benign tumor of the insulin secreting cells of the pancreas) are associated with an increased level of insulin. Decreased insulin levels are seen primarily in diabetes.
Interfering Circumstances. Food intake and obesity may cause false increases in insulin levels. Recent administration of radioisotopes may affect test results, as will use of oral contraceptives. Other drugs that may cause increased insulin levels include corticosteroids and levodopa.
