$3.00
Priced per marker, with baseline labs included. You’ll see your total before you pay.
Metabolism & organs
Insulin test
Hormone that lowers blood sugar; elevated levels may point to insulin resistance.
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Fast for 8–12 hours first
Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
Insulin is the hormone that moves sugar from your blood into your cells for energy. A high level on an empty stomach can be an early sign your body is working harder to keep blood sugar steady.
Why it matters for women
Insulin resistance, when your body needs extra insulin to keep blood sugar steady, is common in PCOS and can make irregular periods, acne and extra hair more likely. Having had diabetes during pregnancy can raise your chances of it later, and your chances can go up around menopause.
You might check it if…
- your periods are irregular or a doctor mentioned PCOS
- you had diabetes during a pregnancy
- diabetes runs in your family
- you’re gaining weight around your middle without a clear reason
What your result may mean
High Insulin: what it may mean
High fasting insulin may point to insulin resistance, when your pancreas works harder to keep blood sugar (glucose) normal until it can't keep up. It can happen with prediabetes, metabolic syndrome, extra weight around the middle or too little physical activity, and many women with PCOS may have it too. Insulin resistance can also become more of a concern in perimenopause and after menopause. A recent meal or steroid medicines can raise insulin, so fasting can matter for this test. Some people may notice dark, velvety skin patches (acanthosis nigricans), and others may have no symptoms.
Low Insulin: what it may mean
Low fasting insulin can be normal in lean, metabolically healthy people. Very low insulin with high blood sugar (glucose) may point to type 1 diabetes or advanced type 2 diabetes, when the pancreas can't make enough. Long fasting can lower it, and so can damage to the pancreas. With high blood sugar, some people may notice thirst, frequent urination or weight loss they didn't plan. A clinician may look at glucose, A1C or C-peptide to help make sense of a low result.
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These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.