Skip to content

Insulin, Serum or Plasma Concentration (Quantitative)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the amount of insulin in your blood, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas.

Quick summary

["Insulin levels help diagnose conditions like diabetes or insulin resistance."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
12764-7
Short code
Insulin 22M p chal SerPl-mCnc
Synonyms
Insulin 22M 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 Is This Test Done?

Your doctor may order this test to check for diabetes, insulin production issues, or other metabolic disorders. It can also help monitor treatment for conditions like hypoglycemia or hyperinsulinism.

What Does the Test Involve?

A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed to measure insulin concentration.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it is part of a glucose tolerance test.

What Are Possible Results?

Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider based on your medical history and symptoms. Abnormal results may indicate conditions requiring further evaluation.

Reference range

Fasting: 2.6-24.9 μIU/mLN/A

Specimen: serum

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.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Insulin Level

Frequently asked questions

What Does an Abnormal Result Mean?
An abnormal insulin level may signal an underlying health issue, such as diabetes, insulin-producing tumors, or other metabolic conditions. Your doctor will discuss next steps based on your symptoms and test results.
How Often Should I Get This Test?
Frequency depends on your health condition. If you have diabetes or a related disorder, your doctor may recommend regular monitoring to track changes in insulin levels and adjust treatment as needed.
Can Diet or Exercise Affect This Test?
Yes, fasting before the test is important, but eating or exercising right before the blood draw can temporarily affect insulin levels. Follow your doctor’s instructions for best results.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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