IGF-1
Insulin-like growth factor 1, or IGF-1, is a hormone similar in structure to insulin that manages the effects of human growth hormone in the body. Like insulin, IGF-1 has glucose-lowering effects. IGF-1 released by the liver is one of the best-characterised effects of growth hormone activity, and the two regulate each other in a feedback loop: growth hormone triggers IGF-1 release, and IGF-1 in turn inhibits the release of growth hormone.
Why it matters: The IGF-1 blood test measures the level of insulin-like growth factor 1 in the blood. IGF-1 is a hormone made in the liver in response to growth hormone, so a high IGF-1 level can mean that the level of growth hormone is also high. A high IGF-1 level is an important marker for diagnosing acromegaly, but IGF-1 can also be elevated because of other conditions such as diabetes, liver or kidney disease, or pregnancy.
Source · Cleveland Clinic — what it is
Source · Mayo Clinic — why it matters, what moves it, related conditions
May increase with:
What is IGF-1?
Insulin-like growth factor 1, or IGF-1, is a hormone similar in structure to insulin that manages the effects of human growth hormone in the body. Like insulin, IGF-1 has glucose-lowering effects. IGF-1 released by the liver is one of the best-characterised effects of growth hormone activity, and the two regulate each other in a feedback loop: growth hormone triggers IGF-1 release, and IGF-1 in turn inhibits the release of growth hormone.
What might a high or low IGF-1 mean?
The IGF-1 blood test measures the level of insulin-like growth factor 1 in the blood. IGF-1 is a hormone made in the liver in response to growth hormone, so a high IGF-1 level can mean that the level of growth hormone is also high. A high IGF-1 level is an important marker for diagnosing acromegaly, but IGF-1 can also be elevated because of other conditions such as diabetes, liver or kidney disease, or pregnancy.
What is the typical reference range for IGF-1?
The general-population reference range shown here is 115 – 355 ng/mL. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.
What can affect IGF-1?
It may be higher with: Growth hormone — IGF-1 is made in the liver in response to it.