Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates blood sugar levels. It allows cells in the body to absorb glucose from the bloodstream for energy and storage.

Importance: This test measures the level of insulin in the blood and is crucial for diagnosing and managing conditions like diabetes and insulin resistance.

When is it done?: It is often performed when a patient shows signs of abnormal blood sugar levels, for diagnosing insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, or to monitor treatment in diabetes. It may also be used to evaluate hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).