Insulin, Mass Concentration (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures the amount of insulin in your blood, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas to help cells absorb glucose from the blood.
["Insulin levels help diagnose conditions like diabetes or insulin resistance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 17017-5
- Short code
- Insulin 10M p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin 10M p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- hormone
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 2.6
- Ref high
- 24.9
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 83525
- SNOMED
- 413618004
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test to check for diabetes, monitor blood sugar control, evaluate symptoms like unexplained weight changes, fatigue, or frequent urination, or assess conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or insulinoma (a rare tumor causing excessive insulin production).
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a glucose tolerance or metabolic study. Bring any medications you’re taking to your appointment.
During the Test
A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a brief pinch, but it’s usually over quickly. The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted based on your symptoms, medical history, and other test results. High insulin levels may suggest insulin resistance, tumors, or other metabolic disorders, while very low levels could indicate diabetes or other hormonal imbalances.
Reference range
Fasting: 2.6-24.9 μIU/mLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Insulin levels play a critical role in diagnosing and managing diabetes, insulin-related disorders, and metabolic diseases. Abnormal results may prompt further testing, such as glucose tolerance tests or additional hormone evaluations.
Short name
Insulin Level
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor order this test if I don’t have diabetes?
How long does it take to get my insulin test results?
Can I eat or drink anything before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy