Serum Insulin with Meal Stimulation (15-Hour Postprandial)
This test measures your insulin levels after eating to help assess how your body responds to glucose. It’s often used to evaluate diabetes management or insulin sensitivity.
["This test helps doctors check how well your body controls blood sugar after meals."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 95111-1
- Short code
- Insulin 1.5h p meal SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin 1.5h p meal SerPl-aCnc
- 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 This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of diabetes (like frequent urination, extreme thirst, or fatigue), if you’re at risk for diabetes, or if you’re being monitored for how well your current treatment is working. It can also help diagnose conditions like insulin resistance or hypoglycemia.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll likely fast for 8–12 hours before the test, but your doctor may adjust this based on your condition. Bring any medications you’re taking, as some may affect results. Avoid alcohol and strenuous activity before the test.
How the Test Is Done
A blood sample is drawn from a vein (usually in your arm) after you’ve eaten a meal. The sample is sent to a lab to measure insulin levels at specific time points, including 15 hours post-meal.
What the Results Mean
Results help determine if your body produces enough insulin after eating. High levels might indicate insulin resistance or other metabolic issues, while low levels could suggest problems with insulin production or how your body uses it.
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: This test is critical for diagnosing or monitoring diabetes, insulin resistance, or reactive hypoglycemia. It provides insight into how your pancreas responds to glucose, guiding treatment plans like diet, medication, or insulin therapy.
Short name
Insulin Post-Meal Test
Frequently asked questions
Will I need to prepare for this test at home?
How long will I have to wait for my results?
Can I take my usual medications 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