Insulin is a protein hormone produced by the beta cells of the pancreas. Insulin stimulates the uptake of glucose into fat and muscle and promotes the formation of glycogen. Insulin stimulates protein synthesis and inhibits protein degradation. Glucose, amino acids, and certain pancreatic and gastrointestinal hormones (glucagon, gastrin, secretin) stimulate the pancreas to secrete insulin. Insulin secretion is inhibited by hypoglycemia and somatostatin. In healthy individuals insulin is secreted in bursts that are closely controlled by glucose levels. The primary use of measuring insulin is in the evaluation of patients with fasting low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Also, insulin levels tend to be inappropriately elevated in patients with insulin-secreting tumors. Fasting hypoglycemia in association with markedly elevated serum insulin levels is considered diagnostic for a type of cancer called insulinoma. Insulin levels can be useful predicting susceptibility to the development of type II diabetes, although C-peptide is considered better. It is important to note that the American Diabetes Association recommendations for the diagnosis of diabetes do not include the measurement of insulin levels
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