Insulin Resistance Blood Test | Insulin Sensitivity Test

Insulin Resistance Test Panel

Measure key biomarkers to help you and your healthcare provider assess your risk for insulin resistance, which can progress to type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD), and other serious health complications if left untreated. Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Blood

Preparation:

Fasting (not eating or drinking anything except water) for 8-12 hours is recommended. If you are taking supplements or medications, check with your healthcare provider to see whether you should take them before the test.

Test type: In Person

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$99.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

About the Test

This Insulin Resistance Test Panel measures insulin and C-peptide levels in your blood to assess your risk of insulin resistance. Insulin resistance (IR) is an underlying condition when your body does not respond to insulin, causing high blood sugar levels. If insulin resistance is not identified early, it may lead to many serious health issues like prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, CVD, stroke, and more.

This panel also provides a calculated score based on the insulin and C-peptide values, which is associated with a probability of insulin resistance. The panel and score help identify hidden metabolic risk, even when HbA1c and glucose (blood sugar) levels are normal. A higher score can indicate a higher risk of insulin resistance or developing a serious health issue. Knowing your risk may help you and your healthcare provider identify these issues before they become problematic.

Note: this test does not screen for diabetes and is not meant for those with known diabetes or high blood sugar levels.

With Quest, you can buy insulin resistance testing online and get testing at a nearby location – no doctor’s visit required.

This insulin resistance blood test may be right for you if any of the following are true:

You have identified insulin resistance risk factors, such as:
- Being overweight or obese
- Occupation (ie, shift workers)
- Lifestyle habits (ie, smoking, drinking alcohol excessively, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, etc.)
- Reproductive health history risk factors (ie, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), etc.)
- Family history of type 2 diabetes, pre-diabetes, gestational diabetes, obesity, insulin resistance, cardiovascular disease, or PCOS
You want to better understand your risk for prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, heart attack, heart disease, stroke, and others
You have acanthosis nigricans (skin condition that causes dark, velvety patches on skin folds)

This test may NOT be right for you if any of the following are true:

You have been diagnosed with diabetes or high blood sugar
You are on glucose-lowering agents
You have reduced kidney function

This test panel measures the following blood levels that are commonly evaluated by healthcare providers to determine risk of insulin resistance.

Insulin is a hormone produced in the pancreas that helps control blood sugar levels by transporting glucose and fatty acids to muscle, fat, and liver cells. If the cells do not respond to the insulin, then the glucose stays in the blood and blood sugar levels remain high. This is referred to as insulin resistance, which can lead to prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, obesity, CVD, metabolic syndrome, or other conditions.

C-peptide is produced in the pancreas at the same time as insulin, but it stays in the blood longer than insulin does. This makes it a good indicator of how much insulin is being produced. High levels of c-peptide along with high levels of insulin may indicate insulin resistance.

This panel provides a calculated score based on the insulin and C-peptide values. Each score is associated with a probability of insulin resistance:
• A score < 33 is ideal and indicates normal insulin sensitivity
• A score between 33-66 indicates you are 4 times more likely to have insulin resistance
• A score > 66 indicates you are 15 times more likely to have insulin resistance

Note: This score was validated in a mostly white population and has not yet been fully tested or validated in other ethnic groups.

Signs and symptoms of insulin resistance may be hard to recognize or go unnoticed, but could include:

Increased waistline
Weight gain
High blood pressure
Blurred vision
Acanthosis nigricans (skin condition that causes dark, velvety patches on skin folds)
Increased thirst
Increased urination, especially at night
Extreme fatigue
Headaches

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. Purchases not permitted in: AK, AZ, HI.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes a few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

How it works

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Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

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After you make a purchase, Quest Mobile will contact you to schedule an in-home sample collection appointment.

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A Quest Mobile phlebotomist will collect your sample and deliver it to Quest Diagnostics.

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Access results online as soon as they’re available. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

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FAQs

What is insulin resistance (IR)? Why does it matter?

Insulin resistance (IR) is a metabolic condition when the insulin your body makes isn't working as effectively to lower your blood sugar as it normally would, so your body makes more insulin to process the same amount of sugar. Over time, IR may continue to increase and/or pancreatic function may decline, allowing blood glucose and HbA1c levels to elevate. This can be a gradual process and makes early identification of IR difficult.

If IR is left untreated, it can lead to the development of prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). It is also associated with other clinical conditions including hypertension, cardiovascular disease, stroke, Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), polycystic ovary syndrome, and certain forms of cancer. Therefore, early identification of IR and intervention can halt or reverse progression of clinical conditions.

What is cardiovascular disease or CVD?

CVD, the leading cause of death worldwide, is an umbrella term encompassing all heart and blood vessel disorders, including clogged arteries (coronary heart disease), heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, congenital heart abnormalities, and peripheral artery disease.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests on questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Our references

• QuestInsulin Resistance: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org)

• QuestInsulin Resistance and Diabetes | CDC

• QuestCardio IQ® Insulin Resistance Panel with Score | Test Detail | Quest Diagnostics

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.

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Insulin Resistance Test Panel