Insulin, Plasma (24-Hour Profile)
This test measures insulin levels in your plasma over a 24-hour period to help assess how your body regulates blood sugar. It may be used to diagnose or monitor conditions like diabetes or insulin resistance.
["A 24-hour insulin profile helps doctors understand how your body responds to insulin throughout the day."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56691-9
- Short code
- Insulin 20H p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin 20H p chal SerPl-mCnc
- 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 they suspect you have diabetes, prediabetes, or an issue with how your body produces or responds to insulin. It can also be used to evaluate conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or to check for insulin resistance. Sometimes, it’s part of a broader evaluation for metabolic disorders or hormonal imbalances.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll typically fast for 8 to 12 hours before your blood is drawn, usually in the morning. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully. If you’re taking medications that affect blood sugar, let your healthcare provider know. Avoid smoking or drinking alcohol before the test.
How the Test Works
Blood samples are collected at multiple times over 24 hours to measure insulin levels at different points. The samples are analyzed using a sensitive immunoassay method to detect insulin in your plasma. The results help create a profile of how your insulin levels fluctuate throughout the day.
What the Results Mean
Interpreting your results requires a doctor’s guidance. Abnormal patterns in insulin levels can indicate whether your body produces enough insulin, how efficiently it works, or if there’s an issue with blood sugar control. Your doctor will compare these results with your overall health and symptoms.
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.
Abnormally high or low insulin levels over 24 hours can signal serious conditions. For example, consistently high insulin levels might suggest insulin resistance or other metabolic disorders, while erratic or low levels could point to diabetes, hypoglycemia, or hormonal imbalances. This test helps doctors tailor treatment plans, such as adjusting medications or lifestyle changes.
Frequently asked questions
What does a normal insulin profile look like?
How long does it take to get the results?
Can I eat or drink anything after fasting for 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