Insulin & Metabolic Hormone Evaluation

Insulin is a pancreatic hormone that helps regulate blood glucose and energy metabolism. Insulin-related evaluation is different from hormone replacement therapy: insulin treatment is used for specific forms of diabetes and other defined clinical situations, while insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction require diagnosis and an individualized treatment plan.

When Insulin and Metabolic Health Should Be Evaluated

Evaluation may be appropriate for abnormal glucose or A1c results, suspected insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, unexplained changes in glucose regulation, or other clinical concerns. Testing is selected according to the patient’s history and clinical findings rather than using insulin levels alone.

Comprehensive Metabolic Assessment

Depending on the clinical question, assessment may include fasting glucose, hemoglobin A1c, lipid testing and other metabolic studies. The goal is to identify the underlying problem and address cardiovascular and metabolic risk as part of the broader hormone evaluation.

Treatment Is Diagnosis-Specific

Treatment may involve nutrition, physical activity, weight management, medications or insulin when medically indicated. Insulin should not be viewed as a general hormone-optimization treatment.

Written and medically reviewed by David Nazarian, M.D.