Somatomedin-C (also known as IGF-1) is a hormone produced by the liver and other tissues, with effect on growth promoting activity and glucose metabolism (insulin-like activity). When people take Human Growth Hormone, their IGF-1 levels increase.
Somatomedin-C or IGF-1 test measures the cause of growth abnormalities and evaluates pituitary function. Somatomedin-C or IGF-1 test can help to detect a GH-producing pituitary tumor.
If you are considering taking anti-aging medicines such as Human Growth Hormone or steroids like Testosterone, knowing your IGF-1 levels can help you and your doctor understand if you should be taking these potentially dangerous drugs or not.
Low values are described with hypopituitarism, malnutrition, diabetes mellitus, Laron dwarfism, hypothyroidism, cirrhosis, hepatoma, and some cases of short stature. Low values may be found with nonfunctioning pituitary tumors and with anorexia. After puberty, levels steadily decrease with advancing age.
You may order Somatomedin-C or IGF-1 test online, or for more information call LabSafe toll free at 1-888-333-LABS to speak with one of our medical counselors.
High values occur with pregnancy, obesity, pituitary gigantism, acromegaly and diabetic retinopathy. References are as follows:
18 years 163-584
19 years 141-483
20 years 127-424
21-25 years 116-358
26-30 years 117-329
31-35 years 115-307
36-40 years 109-284
41-45 years 101-267
46-50 years 94-252
51-55 years 87-238
56-60 years 81-225
61-65 years 75-212
66-70 years 69-200
71-75 years 64-188
76-80 years 59-177
81-85 years 55-166
