Insulin, Serum Concentration (Quantitative)
This test measures the amount of insulin, a hormone produced by your pancreas, in your blood. It helps assess how well your body regulates blood sugar.
["Insulin levels help diagnose or monitor conditions like diabetes or insulin resistance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 55392-5
- Short code
- Insulin 1M p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin 1M p chal SerPl-sCnc
- 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, insulin resistance, or other metabolic issues. It can also help evaluate symptoms like unexplained weight changes, fatigue, or frequent urination. Sometimes, it’s used to monitor treatment for conditions like hypoglycemia or hyperinsulinism.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for 8–12 hours before the test. If you’re diabetic, follow your doctor’s instructions. Bring any medications you’re taking, as some may affect results.
How the Test Is Done
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, usually in a doctor’s office or lab. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis using an immunoassay method to measure insulin concentration.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted based on your symptoms, medical history, and other tests. Abnormal levels may indicate conditions like low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), or other endocrine disorders. Your doctor will discuss findings with you.
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.
Insulin levels are critical for diagnosing diabetes (both type 1 and type 2), insulinoma (a rare tumor causing excessive insulin), and other metabolic disorders. Low insulin may signal issues like pancreatic insufficiency or malabsorption, while high insulin could indicate insulin resistance, Cushing’s syndrome, or other endocrine imbalances. Monitoring trends over time helps guide treatment decisions.
Short name
Insulin Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Can I eat or drink before the test?
Does this test require fasting?
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