What is an Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) blood test. How does it help assess liver function. What are the normal ALT ranges for men and women. What causes high ALT levels. When should you get an ALT test done.

What is an ALT Blood Test and Why is it Important?

An Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) blood test is a crucial diagnostic tool used to assess liver health and function. This test measures the levels of ALT enzyme in the bloodstream, which is primarily found in liver cells. When the liver is damaged or inflamed, ALT is released into the blood, causing elevated serum levels.

The ALT test is also known as:

• Serum Glutamic-Pyruvic Transaminase (SGPT) test
• Alanine Transaminase test

Healthcare providers often recommend an ALT test as part of a comprehensive liver function assessment or when liver disease is suspected. The test helps in:

• Evaluating overall liver health
• Detecting liver damage or inflammation
• Monitoring the progression of liver diseases
• Assessing the effectiveness of treatments for liver conditions

When is an ALT Test Recommended?

Your doctor may recommend an ALT test if you exhibit symptoms of liver disease or are at risk for liver damage. Common indications include:

• Jaundice (yellowing of eyes and skin)
• Upper abdominal pain
• Right shoulder pain
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Severe itching
• Clay-colored stools
• Swelling in legs or abdomen

Individuals with the following risk factors may also benefit from regular ALT testing:

• Family history of liver disease
• Diabetes
• Obesity
• Heavy alcohol consumption
• Use of certain medications

Understanding ALT Test Results: Normal, High, and Low Ranges

Interpreting ALT test results is crucial for assessing liver health. Normal ALT ranges can vary slightly between laboratories, but generally fall within the following parameters:

• Males: 29 to 33 international units per liter (IU/L)
• Females: 19 to 25 IU/L

These ranges are based on guidelines from the American College of Gastroenterology. It’s important to note that ALT levels can be influenced by factors such as age, sex, and individual laboratory standards.

What Do High ALT Levels Indicate?

Elevated ALT levels often suggest liver damage or inflammation. Common causes of high ALT include:

• Hepatitis (chronic liver inflammation)
• Cirrhosis (severe liver scarring)
• Liver tissue death
• Liver cancer or tumors
• Reduced blood flow to the liver
• Hemochromatosis (iron buildup in the body)
• Mononucleosis
• Diabetes

Is there a specific ALT level that’s considered high? While the upper limit of normal ALT is typically around 55 IU/L, levels three times this value (165 IU/L or higher) are generally considered significantly elevated and warrant further investigation.

Low ALT Levels: What Do They Mean?

While lower ALT values often indicate a healthy liver, extremely low levels may sometimes signal underlying health issues. If your ALT results are unusually low, it’s essential to discuss these findings with your healthcare provider to rule out any potential concerns.

The ALT Test Procedure: What to Expect

The ALT blood test is a straightforward procedure that doesn’t require extensive preparation. Here’s what you can expect during the test:

1. A healthcare professional will clean the area on your arm where the blood will be drawn.
2. An elastic band will be tied around your upper arm to make the vein more visible.
3. A needle will be inserted to collect a blood sample.
4. The blood will be collected in a tube for analysis.
5. After collection, the elastic band and needle will be removed.
6. A gauze or bandage will be applied to the puncture site.
7. Your blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for analysis.

Do You Need to Fast for an ALT Test?

Unlike some blood tests, the ALT test doesn’t typically require fasting. However, it’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you’re taking, as these may affect the test results. In some cases, your doctor might advise adjusting or temporarily stopping certain medications before the test.

Health Conditions Associated with Abnormal ALT Levels

Abnormal ALT levels can be indicative of various health conditions affecting the liver. Some of these include:

• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
• Alcoholic liver disease
• Viral hepatitis (types A, B, and C)
• Autoimmune hepatitis
• Drug-induced liver injury
• Wilson’s disease
• Celiac disease
• Thyroid disorders
• Preeclampsia in pregnant women

It’s important to note that elevated ALT levels alone are not diagnostic of a specific condition. Your healthcare provider will typically order additional tests and consider your medical history to determine the underlying cause of abnormal ALT results.

Can Medications Affect ALT Levels?

Yes, certain medications can influence ALT levels. Some common drugs that may cause elevated ALT include:

• Acetaminophen (in high doses)
• Statins (cholesterol-lowering medications)
• Some antibiotics
• Certain antiseizure medications
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you’re taking before undergoing an ALT test.

Risks and Considerations of the ALT Blood Test

While the ALT blood test is generally safe and straightforward, as with any blood draw, there are some minor risks to consider:

• Slight pain or discomfort at the needle insertion site
• Potential bruising or swelling
• Rarely, infection at the puncture site
• Dizziness or lightheadedness in some individuals

These side effects are typically mild and resolve quickly. If you experience persistent bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

Are There Any Contraindications for an ALT Test?

There are no specific contraindications for an ALT blood test. However, individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications should inform their healthcare provider before the test. In such cases, extra precautions may be taken to minimize the risk of excessive bleeding or bruising.

ALT Test as Part of Comprehensive Liver Function Assessment

While the ALT test is valuable for assessing liver health, it’s often performed alongside other liver function tests for a more comprehensive evaluation. These may include:

• Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) test
• Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) test
• Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) test
• Bilirubin test
• Albumin test
• Prothrombin Time (PT) test

Together, these tests provide a more complete picture of liver function and can help healthcare providers diagnose specific liver conditions more accurately.

What is the AST/ALT Ratio?

The AST/ALT ratio is a calculation used to help differentiate between various types of liver damage. In most types of liver disease, ALT levels are higher than AST levels. However, in alcoholic liver disease, AST levels are often higher than ALT levels. A ratio greater than 2:1 (AST to ALT) is suggestive of alcoholic liver disease, while a ratio less than 1:1 is more indicative of viral hepatitis or other forms of liver damage.

Lifestyle Factors Affecting ALT Levels

Several lifestyle factors can influence ALT levels and overall liver health. Understanding these factors can help individuals make informed choices to maintain optimal liver function:

• Alcohol consumption: Excessive alcohol intake can lead to elevated ALT levels and liver damage over time.
• Diet: A diet high in processed foods and saturated fats may contribute to fatty liver disease and elevated ALT levels.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity can help maintain healthy ALT levels and improve overall liver function.
• Weight management: Obesity is a risk factor for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which can cause elevated ALT levels.
• Hydration: Adequate water intake supports liver function and helps maintain healthy ALT levels.

Can Dietary Changes Help Lower ALT Levels?

Yes, certain dietary modifications may help reduce ALT levels and improve liver health:

• Increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Reducing consumption of processed foods and added sugars
• Limiting saturated and trans fats
• Incorporating lean proteins and healthy fats (e.g., from fish, nuts, and olive oil)
• Avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption

It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.

The Role of ALT Testing in Monitoring Liver Disease Progression

For individuals diagnosed with liver disease, regular ALT testing plays a crucial role in monitoring disease progression and treatment effectiveness. Here’s how ALT testing contributes to ongoing liver health management:

• Assessing treatment response: Changes in ALT levels can indicate whether a particular treatment is effectively reducing liver inflammation or damage.
• Monitoring disease activity: In chronic conditions like hepatitis, ALT levels can fluctuate, reflecting periods of increased or decreased liver inflammation.
• Detecting complications: Sudden spikes in ALT levels may signal the development of complications or worsening of the underlying liver condition.
• Guiding medication adjustments: Healthcare providers may use ALT results to adjust medication dosages or change treatment strategies.
• Evaluating liver transplant candidates: For individuals with severe liver disease, ALT levels are part of the comprehensive assessment used to determine transplant eligibility and timing.

How Often Should ALT Levels Be Monitored in Liver Disease Patients?

The frequency of ALT testing for individuals with liver disease varies depending on the specific condition, its severity, and the treatment plan. Generally, patients may undergo ALT testing:

• Every 3-6 months for stable chronic liver conditions
• Monthly or more frequently during active treatment phases
• As needed when new symptoms arise or changes in medication occur

Your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate testing schedule based on your individual circumstances and health needs.

ALT Testing in Special Populations

While ALT testing is valuable for assessing liver health in the general population, there are some special considerations for certain groups:

ALT Testing in Pregnancy

During pregnancy, ALT levels may be monitored as part of routine prenatal care, especially if there are concerns about liver function. Conditions like preeclampsia or intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy can cause elevated ALT levels and require close monitoring.

ALT Testing in Children

ALT testing in pediatric populations is becoming increasingly important due to the rising prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in children. Normal ALT ranges for children may differ from adult ranges, and interpretation should be age- and sex-specific.

ALT Testing in the Elderly

Older adults may have slightly lower ALT levels compared to younger individuals. This decrease is thought to be related to reduced liver mass and blood flow with aging. Healthcare providers consider these age-related changes when interpreting ALT results in elderly patients.

ALT Testing in Athletes

Intense physical exercise can temporarily elevate ALT levels. Athletes undergoing ALT testing should inform their healthcare providers about their exercise routines, as this may influence the interpretation of results.

Understanding these population-specific considerations helps ensure accurate interpretation of ALT test results and appropriate follow-up care.

Future Developments in Liver Function Testing

While ALT testing remains a cornerstone of liver function assessment, ongoing research is exploring new biomarkers and technologies to enhance liver health evaluation. Some promising areas of development include:

• Non-invasive imaging techniques: Advanced imaging methods like elastography are being refined to assess liver fibrosis and cirrhosis without the need for invasive biopsies.
• Novel serum biomarkers: Researchers are investigating new blood-based markers that may offer more specific insights into liver health and disease progression.
• Genetic testing: Identifying genetic variants associated with liver disease susceptibility may help in early intervention and personalized treatment strategies.
• Artificial intelligence in diagnostics: Machine learning algorithms are being developed to analyze complex patterns in liver function tests, potentially improving diagnostic accuracy and predicting disease outcomes.

Will ALT Testing Remain Relevant in the Future?

Despite advancements in liver diagnostics, ALT testing is likely to remain an important tool in liver health assessment due to its:

• Simplicity and cost-effectiveness
• Wide availability in healthcare settings
• Established role in monitoring liver disease progression and treatment response
• Value as a screening tool for liver abnormalities

Future developments will likely complement rather than replace ALT testing, offering a more comprehensive approach to liver health evaluation.

What Is Alanine Aminotransferase Test (ALT) Blood Test

An alanine aminotransferase (ALT) test weighs the level of ALT in your blood. ALT is commonly present in your liver, but in the case of damaged or inflamed liver, ALT is found in your bloodstream. As a result, your serum ALT level elevated. Your doctor recommends this ALT blood test to see how your liver is performing or determine the underlying cause of your liver problems. An ALT test usually belongs to the part of the screen tests for liver disease. ALT test is also known as a serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) test or an alanine transaminase test.

The cost of an ALT blood test is Rs.60- Rs.200, depending on your location and place.

Please check the price of the ALT blood best in Delhi/NCR, your nearby centers and other details.

Test summary in the table structure

Also known as	serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alanine transaminase test
Test Type	Blood
ALT test includes	Monitors how properly your liver is functioning
Preparation	Doesn’t need any special preparation
Reporting	Within 24 hrs
Test price	The cost of an ALT blood test is Rs. 60- Rs.200, depending on your location and place.
Also included in	Health Insurance Plans
Related tests	Kidney Function Test, CBC, SGOT, Alkaline Phosphatase, Albumin

Why does your doctor recommend an ALT test?

Your doctor will suggest this ALT test to check how your liver is functioning. Some people perform this test as part of a metabolic panel. A doctor suggests this test if you are suffering from various symptoms of liver disease or damage. These symptoms could be,

• Yellow eyes and skin (jaundice)
• Pain in the upper abdomen
• Pain in the right shoulder
• Easy bleeding or bruising
• Severe itching
• Clay-colored stools
• Inflammation in the legs or abdomen

These symptoms indicate that you are having liver problems. Healthcare conditions that can cause elevated ALT levels include are,

• Hepatitis
• Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
• Cirrhosis
• Celiac disease
• Thyroid disorders
• Preeclampsia in pregnant or immediately postpartum women
• Some infections, including mononucleosis and sepsis
• Wilson’s disease
• Polymyositis
• Liver cancer
• Some medicines may also uplift your ALT levels

When a doctor identifies a liver injury early, he goes for the proper line of treatment to prevent further injury.

People at risk of liver damage or disease include

• Those who have a family history of liver disease
• People who have diabetes
• People who are obese
• People who consume a lot of alcoholic beverages
• People who take certain medications

An ALT Test Preparation

This test doesn’t demand any special preparation. But if you are taking any medications for your underlying diseases, you must inform the doctor about the same. Some medications may hamper the test results of ALT. Your doctor might advise you in reducing the dosage of the medication or may stop it temporarily before the test.

An ALT Test Procedure

• First, a healthcare professional will clean the area of your hand before taking the sample.
• Then, he will tie an elastic band around your upper arm to identify your vein
• Now, he will insert a needle to collect your blood sample
• Your blood sample will be collected in a tube
• Once the process is finished, the healthcare professional will remove the elastic band and the needle.
• He will place gauze or bandage at the puncture site
• Your sample will be sent to the laboratory for further analysis.

The Interpretation of the Test Results

Normal Results

According to the American College of Gastroenterology, the normal values for ALT in the blood are,

29 to 33 international units per liter (IU/L) (for males)

 19 to 25 IU/L (for females)

ALT levels may vary from lab to lab.

The test results can be affected by several factors including sex and age.

Abnormal Results

ALT blood test high value may indicate liver damage. Elevated levels of ALT could be the result of

• Hepatitis (chronic inflammation of the liver)
• Cirrhosis (severe scarring of the liver)
• Death of liver tissue
• Liver cancer or tumor
• Inadequate blood flow to the liver
• Hemochromatosis (a disorder where iron gets built up in the body)
• Mononucleosis
• Diabetes

Though lower ALT values indicate a healthy liver, still, you may have some underlying health conditions that need to be discussed with your doctor.

FAQs

What are the risks associated with this ALT test?

This blood test is safe and convenient for people. But you may feel some temporary issues like

1. Excessive bleeding where the needle was inserted
2. A bruise under your skin
3. Dizziness or lightheadedness
4. Local infection at the puncture site

Is the ALT test done on empty stomach?

No fasting or special preparations are required for this test. But if you are taking any supplements or over-the-counter medications, inform your doctor about the same.

Is 70 a high ALT?

The upper limit of normal for ALT is 55 IU/L. If your ALT level is triple the upper limit of normal, it is considered mildly elevated. In the case of liver disease, your ALT level is 50 times the upper limit of normal.

What are the symptoms of an elevated ALT level?

Symptoms of an elevated ALT level are,

1. Abdominal pain
2. Dark-colored urine
3. Fatigue
4. Itching
5. Jaundice
6. Light-colored stools
7. Loss of appetite
8. Nausea and vomiting

What diseases cause high ALT levels?

Prolonged liver disease
1. Excessive use of alcohol
2. Cirrhosis
3. Blockage in the bile ducts
4. Heart attack or heart failure
5. Kidney damage
6. Muscle injury
7. Damage of RBCs

Why Are My Dog Or Cat’s ALT Blood Levels Abnormal – Ron Hines’ Vetspace – 2nd Chance – The Animal Health Website

Alanine Aminotransferase ALT, previously called SGPT aka Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase, GPT

Ron Hines DVM PhD

The source of elevated ALT enzyme in your dog or cat’s lab report is primarily from injured (“leaking”) liver cells (hepatocytes). The ALT test is the frontline test for liver disease in dogs, cats and people. Results are usually included within the group of tests called a liver panel (=bilirubin, AST, ALT, GGT, and Alkaline phosphatase).  

Health Problems That Can Cause too Much ALT To Be Present In Your Cat Or Dog’s Blood:

In cats, cholangiohepatitis, hepatic lipidosis are two common causes. Hyperthyroidism,   IBD and diabetes are occasionally associated with elevated ALT in cats as well. In dogs, underlying Cushing’s disease or pancreatitis can be responsible.

Exposure to toxins, certain medications and corticosteroid administration can also elevate your dog and cat’s ALT level. In dogs, Trazodone, given to reduce anxiety has also been associated with liver damage and elevated ALT. (read here) 

In dogs, heartworm disease or its treatment of the disease with Immiticide®/Diroban® elevates ALT levels.  Hemolytic anemia, insufficient oxygen reaching the body (hypoxia), various metabolic disorders, over-exertion, severe body trauma and all the diseases that result in elevated AP can also elevate your pet’s ALT level.

Although the ALT is associated with the liver, occasionally adjoining bile duct disease that obstructs the normal flow of bile from your pet’s liver to its intestine can cause the amount of free ALT in its system to be elevated too.

Mild-to-moderate increases in ALT can also occur in pregnancy and, as I mentioned before, hyperthyroidism can cause a moderate increase in the ALT level of your cat. 

Significant gum/dental disease in your dog or cat can also cause a moderate elevate in its ALT level. So can the NSAIDs given long term to dogs to treat arthritis or joint pain. Those NSAID drugs include Rimadyl®, Deramaxx®, Previcox®, Metacam®, Galliprant® etc. (read here)

An accidentally hemolyzed blood sample – particularly from a cat – can report a falsely elevated ALT result.

On rare occasions, chronic hepatitis might follow a leptospirosis infection. That can result in an elevation of a number of liver function tests. (read here)

It is not that unusual for a pet that appears healthy to occasionally have moderately higher than normal ALT, bilirubin or Alkaline Phosphatase levels with no apparent explanation or health consequences. Physicians face the same problem as veterinarians do when deciding what to do in those situations. (read here) I generally suggest that the test be repeated in 2-3 weeks to see if the results are still abnormal or dropping. Many times they have improved. I am also more concerned when a number of liver-related tests are a bit high than when only one of the tests is. Of course, if your pet is feeling poorly, has lost weight or the test result was quite high, waiting is not a good option.

Health Problems That Can Cause Too Little ALT To Be Present:

I know of none. Have the test repeated at a commercial veterinary laboratory or wait a few weeks and have the test run again at your local animal hospital.

Complementary tests:

fPL® in cats or cPL® test in dogs for possible pancreatitis in cats or in dogs, ultrasound examination of the liver, and all the complimentary tests that accompany a liver panel. It is often wise to repeat the ALT test in 3 weeks and thereafter to monitor the situation.  The liver has a great capacity to regenerate. When liver cell damage has ceased, usually your pet’s ALT level will drop by one half in about 1-3 days and be normal within ~ 1-3 weeks.

Drugs associated with elevated ALT levels are the same ones that sometimes cause liver damage that raises your pet’s AP levels. They include:
Corticosteroids (such as prednisone/prednisolone), acetaminophen (Tylenol™), Non-steroidals such as Rimadyl® and Metacam® for arthritis. Griseofulvin dispensed to treat ringworm infections. Ketoconazole or fluconazole used to treat a variety of fungal infections.  Isoflurane, halothane and methoyflurane anesthetic gases. Metronidazole (Flagyl®) dispensed for a variety of intestinal issues involving diarrhea.  Fenbendazole (Panacur®) or mebendazole give to eliminate intestinal parasites. Various antitumor (“chemo”) medications. Phenobarbital given to treat seizures. Sulfonamide antibiotics and tetracycline.

Your pet will rarely face a toxicity issue with any of these medications if they are given in the accepted doses and intervals. Liver-related issues are often due to giving several of these drugs in combination or giving them at or above their maximum suggested doses. There will always be a pet now and then that does not react as expected to a drug that most pets have no problem receiving. We veterinarians blame that on genetic variation. One genetic variation that is commonly blamed are variations in P450.   (read here)

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Mitotane, blood plasma (Mitotane, o, p′-DDD, plasma)

Method of determination
Gas chromatography with mass selective detection.

Test material
Blood plasma (EDTA)

Home visit available

Online check-in

Synonyms : Lysodren; Chlorditan; Ortho-para-DDD; 1-Chloro-2-[2,2dichloro-1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl]benzene.

Lysodren; Chlordithane; 1,1-(Dichlorodiphenyl)-2,2-dichloroethane; o,p’-DDD

General information about the study “Mitotan, blood plasma”

Drug monitoring of mitotane therapy.

Mitotane, 1-(2-chlorophenyl)-1-(4-chlorophenyl)-2,2-dichloroethane (o, p′-DDD), is the basic and currently non-alternative substance used in adrenocortical cancer chemotherapy, starting from 1970. Refers to derivatives of the insecticide DDT, studies of its effect on animals at one time served as an impetus for the development of a drug: under the influence of DDT, a sharp atrophy of the adrenal glands was noted.

Adrenocortical cancer is a rare malignant tumor originating from the adrenal cortex, which can be hormonally active, causing subclinical or overt Cushing’s syndrome (ICS) and/or viril syndrome. In some patients, a hormonally inactive tumor may be discovered incidentally. Adrenocortical cancer is characterized by late detection and aggressive clinical course. The mechanisms of the chemotherapeutic action of mitotane are based mainly on its adrenolytic effect, which leads to cellular degeneration of the adrenal cortex, selectively affecting the fascicular, partially reticular zone, without affecting the glomerular zone.

Mitotane is a difficult drug to control dosage due to its long half-life, toxicity, and narrow therapeutic window. Mitotane can accumulate in adipose tissue, which becomes its main reservoir, thus lengthening the half-life, which can increase from 18 to 159 days with gradual release from primary accumulation sites. In connection with this feature, even with the same daily dose, the concentration of the drug in the blood may increase, which dictates the need for its monitoring and constant dose adjustment. The most effective effect on the tumor with an acceptable degree of toxicity was observed at the concentration range of mitotane in serum/plasma from 14 to 20 μg/ml. Levels above 20 µg/ml increase the risk of severe side effects (including gastrointestinal and neurological), with no further benefit in terms of efficacy. Achieving the target concentration of mitotane does not always depend on the current dose of the drug, but is more determined by the cumulative dose, which is associated with its long half-life.

Dosage adjustment does not result in an immediate change in plasma drug levels.

Dose selection is based on control of drug concentration in the blood and its clinical tolerability until reaching the therapeutic range.

Dose increases are carried out gradually, target concentrations are usually reached within 3-5 months.

In accordance with the Clinical guidelines “Adrenocortical cancer” (Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 2018), it is necessary to assess the level of mitotane in the blood: every 4-8 weeks until the target zone is reached; upon reaching it – every three months for two years, then at longer intervals, as well as in the event of side effects.

According to the recommendations of the drug manufacturers, when selecting the dosage, the achieved blood concentration should be monitored frequently, for example, after each dose change until the optimal therapeutic values ​​​​are reached, and also regularly and after they are reached, for example, monthly. Monitoring may also be appropriate after discontinuation of therapy (for example, at intervals of two months), since due to the long half-life in the blood, significant concentrations of the drug may persist for a long time. More frequent monitoring of achieved concentrations is recommended in the treatment of patients with overweight or recent weight loss (for example, every two weeks).

What is the purpose of determining the level of mitotane in blood plasma

The test is used for the purpose of drug monitoring during chemotherapy of adrenocortical cancer using mitotane.

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the endocrine part of the pancreas. It regulates the metabolism of carbohydrates, maintaining blood glucose at the required level, and also participates in the metabolism of fats (lipids).

Synonyms Russian

Pancreatic hormone, regulator of carbohydrate metabolism.

Synonyms English

Insulin.

Test method

Immunochemiluminescent assay.

Detection range: 0.2 – 1000 mcd/ml.

Units

Mq/mL (micro unit per milliliter).

What biomaterial can be used for research?

Venous blood.

How to properly prepare for an examination?

• Do not eat within 12 hours before the study.
• Completely exclude the use of drugs the day before the study (as agreed with the doctor).
• Do not smoke for 3 hours prior to the study.

General information about the study

Insulin is synthesized in the beta cells of the endocrine part of the pancreas. Its concentration in the blood directly depends on the concentration of glucose: after a meal, a large amount of glucose enters the blood, in response to this, the pancreas secretes insulin, which triggers the mechanisms for moving glucose from the blood to the cells of tissues and organs. Insulin also regulates biochemical processes in the liver: if there is a lot of glucose, the liver begins to store it in the form of glycogen (glucose polymer) or use it for the synthesis of fatty acids. When insulin synthesis is impaired and less than necessary is produced, glucose cannot enter the cells of the body. Cells begin to lack the main substrate they need to generate energy – glucose, since it remains in the blood, hyperglycemia develops. If such a condition is chronic, then metabolism is disturbed and pathologies of the kidneys, cardiovascular, nervous systems begin to develop, vision suffers. A disease in which there is a lack of insulin production is called diabetes mellitus. It comes in several types. In particular, type one develops when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, type two is associated with a loss of cell sensitivity to insulin. The second type is the most common. For the treatment of diabetes in the initial stages, a special diet and drugs are usually used, which either increase the production of insulin by the pancreas, or stimulate the cells of the body to consume glucose by increasing their sensitivity to this hormone. In the event that the pancreas completely ceases to produce insulin, its administration with injections is required. An increased concentration of insulin in the blood is called hyperinsulinemia. At the same time, the content of glucose in the blood drops sharply, which can lead to hypoglycemic coma and even death, since the work of the brain directly depends on the concentration of glucose. Therefore, it is very important to control glucose levels during parenteral administration of insulin preparations and other drugs used to treat diabetes. Elevated levels of insulin in the blood can also be caused by a tumor that secretes it in large quantities – an insulinoma. With it, the concentration of insulin in the blood can increase tenfold in a short time. Diseases associated with the development of diabetes mellitus: metabolic syndrome, pathology of the adrenal and pituitary glands, polycystic ovary syndrome.

What is research used for?

• For diagnosing insulin (tumors of the pancreas) and to determine the causes of acute or chronic hypoglycemia (together with glucose and C-peptide tests).
• To monitor endogenous insulin produced by beta cells.
• For the detection of insulin resistance.
• To find out when patients with type 2 diabetes should start taking insulin or hypoglycemic drugs.

When is the examination scheduled?

• Low blood glucose and/or symptoms of hypoglycemia: sweating, palpitations, regular hunger, blurred consciousness, blurred vision, dizziness, weakness, heart attacks.
• If necessary, find out whether the insulinoma was successfully removed, as well as diagnose possible relapses in time.
• When monitoring the results of islet cell transplantation (by determining the ability of transplants to produce insulin).

What do the results mean?

Reference values: 2.6 – 24.9 mcw/ml.

Causes of elevated insulin levels:

• acromegaly,
• Itsenko-Cushing syndrome,
• fructose or glucose-galactose intolerance,
• insulinoma,
• obesity,
• insulin resistance, as in chronic pancreatitis (including cystic fibrosis) and pancreatic cancer.

What can influence the result?

The use of drugs such as corticosteroids, levodopa, oral contraceptives, increases the concentration of glucose.

Important Notes

• Currently, biochemically synthesized insulin is used as an injection, which makes it most similar in structure and properties to endogenous (produced in the body) insulin.