Insulin, 1-hour postprandial (serum/plasma)
This test measures your insulin levels one hour after eating. It helps assess how well your body responds to glucose after a meal.
["This test helps evaluate blood sugar control and insulin sensitivity after eating."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1560-2
- Short code
- Insulin 1h p TBM IV SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin 1h p TBM IV SerPl-mCnc
- Category
- hormone
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- 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 healthcare provider may order this test if you have diabetes, prediabetes, or symptoms like unexplained weight changes, fatigue, or frequent infections. It can also be used to monitor how well medications or lifestyle changes are working to manage blood sugar levels.
What does the test involve?
You’ll fast overnight (usually 8–12 hours) before the test. On the day of testing, you’ll eat a standard meal, and blood will be drawn from a vein in your arm one hour later. The blood sample is tested for insulin levels in either serum or plasma.
What should you do before the test?
Avoid smoking, caffeine, or alcohol for at least 30 minutes before your blood draw. Wear comfortable clothing if you’ll need to have an arm vein accessed. If you’re pregnant, have a chronic condition, or take certain medications, let your provider know.
What happens during the test?
A healthcare professional will clean your arm with an antiseptic and insert a small needle to draw blood. You may feel a brief pinch, but the process usually takes just a few minutes. The blood is then sent to a lab for analysis.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High insulin levels after eating may indicate insulin resistance, overproduction of insulin, or other metabolic issues. Low levels could suggest inadequate insulin production or absorption. This test helps diagnose conditions like reactive hypoglycemia, insulinoma, or evaluate treatment effectiveness in diabetes management.
Short name
1-hour insulin level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
What do my results mean?
Can I eat or drink anything before the 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