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Insulin

Formal name: Insulin
Related tests: C-Peptide, Glucose, Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)

Common Questions

1.  Can I do an insulin test at home?

No.  Although glucose levels can be monitored at home, insulin tests require specialized instruments and training.

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2.  Why does insulin have to be injected?

Insulin must be injected or given via an insulin pump.  It cannot be given orally because it is a protein and is broken down in the stomach before it can be absorbed.

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3.  How is an insulinoma treated?

Insulinomas are benign insulin-producing tumors. They are usually treated by being located and removed.  Once removed, generally they do not return.

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4.  What else is important about insulin resistance?

Insulin resistance is a warning signal that the body is having problems processing glucose, and it is characteristic of pre-diabetes.  Patients with early or moderate insulin resistance often don’t have any symptoms, but if their condition is ignored, it puts them at a much greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and/or heart disease several years down the road.  (These four conditions make up what is called the Metabolic Syndrome.).

Risk factors for insulin resistance include:

Treatment of insulin resistance involves changes in diet and lifestyle.  The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends losing excess weight, getting regular amounts of moderate intensity physical activity, and increasing dietary fiber to lower blood insulin levels and increase the body’s sensitivity to it.

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