Insulin concentration in plasma (24-hour profile)
This test measures your insulin levels over a 24-hour period using blood samples collected at specific times to assess how your body produces and uses insulin.
["This helps diagnose or monitor conditions like diabetes or insulin resistance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 27834-1
- Short code
- Insulin 1.5h p 75 g Glc PO SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin 1.5h p 75 g Glc PO SerPl-aCnc
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 2.6
- Ref high
- 24.9
- Fasting
- true
- 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 This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of diabetes, such as frequent urination, extreme thirst, unexplained weight changes, or fatigue. It may also be used to evaluate how well your body responds to insulin, especially if you’re taking insulin therapy or have a suspected condition like insulinoma (a rare tumor that causes excessive insulin production).
How the Test Works
Blood samples are collected at multiple times (typically every 2–4 hours) to create a profile of your insulin levels throughout the day. This helps identify patterns, such as spikes or drops, that might indicate abnormal insulin function.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for a portion of the day if your provider specifies a fasting window for certain samples. Wear comfortable clothing and plan to stay near the testing site for the duration of the collection.
What to Expect During the Test
You’ll have several small blood draws over the course of the day. Each draw is quick and painless, similar to a routine blood test. A healthcare professional will explain the process and answer any questions.
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.
Abnormal insulin levels can signal diabetes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or conditions like Cushing’s syndrome or acromegaly. A 24-hour profile helps pinpoint whether insulin production is too high or too low, guiding treatment decisions such as medication adjustments or lifestyle changes.
Frequently asked questions
How long will this test take?
What happens if my insulin levels are abnormal?
If fasting is required for certain samples, avoid food and liquids (except water) until the specified time. Otherwise, follow your provider’s instructions, as some samples may be collected at different times of day.
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