This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained low blood sugar episodes, especially if they happen when fasting or after meals. It helps diagnose insulinomas (rare insulin-producing tumors) and assess how your body is producing and processing insulin. Many people use this test when they have symptoms like shakiness, sweating, confusion, or rapid heartbeat related to blood sugar drops that aren't explained by diabetes medication.
How should I prepare for this test?
You'll need to fast overnight before having your blood drawn for this test. This means no food or drinks except water for at least 8-12 hours prior to your appointment. Fasting is essential because it provides the most accurate baseline measurement of proinsulin levels without interference from recent food intake.
What's included in this test?
This test measures proinsulin, which is the precursor molecule your pancreas makes before converting it into active insulin. Elevated proinsulin levels can indicate problems with insulin production, insulin resistance, or the presence of an insulinoma (a rare pancreatic tumor that causes too much insulin). This measurement helps doctors understand whether your low blood sugar episodes are caused by excessive insulin production or other metabolic issues.
What happens after I get my results?
You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your proinsulin levels mean for your blood sugar regulation and insulin production. These notes include personalized recommendations like dietary adjustments, meal timing strategies, or whether you should follow up with an endocrinologist for further evaluation. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your proinsulin levels over time using our trends feature to monitor your metabolic health.
Who should consider getting this test?
This test is important for people experiencing frequent episodes of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) that aren't explained by diabetes medication or other known causes. It's particularly useful if you have symptoms like shakiness, sweating, confusion, or fainting when you haven't eaten for a while. Your doctor may also order this test if they suspect an insulinoma or need to monitor treatment effectiveness for insulin-producing tumors.
What symptoms indicate I may need this test?
Common symptoms include frequent episodes of shakiness, sweating, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or feeling faint, especially when fasting or between meals. You might experience intense hunger, anxiety, blurred vision, or difficulty concentrating during these episodes. If eating quickly relieves these symptoms, or if they happen more when you skip meals, it may indicate your body is producing too much insulin.
How can I manage my blood sugar levels naturally?
Eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day helps prevent blood sugar drops by providing steady energy. Focus on balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates that digest slowly, like whole grains, nuts, and vegetables. Avoiding simple sugars and refined carbs, staying hydrated, and incorporating regular light exercise can also help stabilize blood sugar levels throughout the day.
What is proinsulin and why does it matter?
Proinsulin is the inactive precursor molecule that your pancreas produces before converting it into active insulin, which regulates blood sugar. Normally, most proinsulin gets converted to insulin, so only small amounts remain in your blood. When proinsulin levels are high, it can indicate your pancreas is working inefficiently, you have insulin resistance, or there may be an insulinoma causing excess production.
What does high proinsulin mean?
High proinsulin levels may indicate several conditions, including insulinomas (insulin-producing tumors), type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, or insulin resistance where your body isn't processing proinsulin efficiently. Elevated levels can also be seen in people with metabolic syndrome or those whose pancreas is under stress from constantly managing high blood sugar. It's important to discuss elevated results with your doctor for proper evaluation.
How often should I retest my proinsulin levels?
If you've been diagnosed with an insulinoma, your doctor will typically monitor proinsulin levels regularly to assess treatment effectiveness, often every few months. For those investigating unexplained low blood sugar, retesting may be done after 3-6 months or when symptoms change. If you're managing metabolic conditions like insulin resistance, annual testing might be recommended to track improvements with lifestyle changes or treatment.
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Demo results
Proinsulin18.5 pmol/L
Demo results
LowOptimal 2.0 - 15.0High
18.5 pmol/L
What this means
Your proinsulin level is elevated above the optimal range, which may indicate your pancreas is producing more proinsulin than usual or not converting it efficiently to insulin. This can be associated with insulin resistance, prediabetes, or in rare cases, an insulinoma. Elevated proinsulin may contribute to blood sugar fluctuations and symptoms like shakiness or fatigue between meals.
Recommended actions
Focus on balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs to stabilize blood sugar
Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day to prevent blood sugar drops
Incorporate regular physical activity like walking after meals to improve insulin sensitivity
Follow up with your doctor or endocrinologist to discuss results and potential next steps
* Regular blood test results (e.g., CBC) typically start arriving the next business day after sample collection. More complex tests, such as hormone panels, may take up to 10–15 business days due to their complexity.
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