Serum Insulin with 15-Minute Postprandial Glucose Measurement (Immunoassay)
This test measures your insulin levels after eating a meal, along with your blood sugar response 15 minutes later. It helps assess how your body responds to glucose and may be used in diabetes management.
["This test helps evaluate how well your body regulates blood sugar after eating."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 55499-8
- Short code
- Insulin 15M p Glc IV SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin 15M p Glc IV SerPl-sCnc
- 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
What This Test Measures
The test includes two key measurements: your insulin concentration in serum and your blood glucose level taken 15 minutes post-meal. Insulin is a hormone that helps control blood sugar levels. The combination of these two values can provide insight into how efficiently your pancreas releases insulin in response to food intake.
Why It’s Done
Doctors may order this test to diagnose or monitor conditions like diabetes, particularly Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, or to evaluate how well a person’s current treatment plan is working. It can also help identify issues with insulin sensitivity or pancreatic function.
How It’s Performed
You’ll fast for a specified period before the test, typically overnight. A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm, to measure insulin levels. After eating a meal, a second blood sample is taken 15 minutes later to check your blood sugar response.
Preparation and Timing
Fasting is required before the initial blood draw. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding when to eat or drink. The timing of the second blood draw depends on your meal, so plan accordingly to ensure accurate results.
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.
This test is particularly useful for diagnosing or managing diabetes by assessing how your body responds to glucose. Abnormal results may indicate impaired insulin secretion, resistance, or other metabolic issues. It can also help identify prediabetes or help tailor treatment plans, such as medication adjustments or lifestyle changes.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
What does a high or low insulin level mean in this test?
Can I eat or drink anything before the second blood draw?
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