Total and Free Insulin (Blood)

Does this test have other names?

Serum insulin level

What is this test?

This blood test measures two types of insulin in your body: total and free.

Insulin is found in your body in many forms. Bound insulin is attached to other proteins. This often happens in people with diabetes who are treated with insulin. Free insulin is not attached to other proteins. Total insulin measures both free and bound insulin.

The hormone insulin plays a key role in keeping your blood sugar at the right level. Too little insulin leads to a certain type of diabetes. High levels of insulin can harm your health by leading to hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar.

Why do I need this test?

You may need this test if you have symptoms of low blood sugar. Symptoms of hypoglycemia often include:

• Anxiety

• Trembling

• Sweating

• Confusion

• Nausea

• Irritability

• Weakness

• Irregular heartbeat

Hypoglycemia can be caused by:

• Insulin used as a medicine to control diabetes. Each year, up to 30% of people with type 1 diabetes have a serious episode of hypoglycemia. This also can happen in people with type 2 diabetes, but it's much less common in them.

• Insulinomas. These are rare tumors in the pancreas that produce insulin. They are usually not cancer.

• Other types of tumors elsewhere in the body that produce a substance called insulin-like growth factor 2, or IGF-2, which may affect your insulin levels.

What other tests might I have along with this test?

Your healthcare provider may also order other blood tests, including those that measure:

• Glucose

• Proinsulin

• C-peptide

• Cortisol

• Plasma beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHOB)

Your healthcare provider may also order a urine test to look at levels of sulfonylurea, a medicine used to treat diabetes.

What do my test results mean?

Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, the method used for the test, and other things. Your test results may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you. 

Results are given in microunits per milliliter (mcU/mL). A normal measurement of free insulin is less than 17 mcU/mL. You may have a false-low result if you have a medical problem that's damaging red blood cells.

If your levels are higher, it may mean you have been using too much insulin in medicine form. It may also mean that you have an insulinoma that's making extra insulin.

Your results may be higher or lower if your immune system makes antibodies against insulin.

How is this test done?

The test is done with a blood sample. A needle is used to draw blood from a vein in your arm or hand. 

Does this test pose any risks?

Having a blood test with a needle carries some risks. These include bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded. When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may feel a slight sting or pain. Afterward, the site may be sore. 

What might affect my test results?

Taking insulin as a medicine will affect your results.

How do I get ready for this test?

Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking any medicines that affect your blood sugar, including insulin. Be sure your healthcare provider knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illicit drugs you may use. Also tell your healthcare provider the last time you had something to eat.