Insulin Concentration (2 Hours Post Glucose Challenge) - Serum
This test measures your insulin levels 2 hours after drinking a glucose solution. It helps assess how your body responds to glucose and may be used to evaluate diabetes or insulin sensitivity.
["This test helps doctors check how well your pancreas produces insulin after eating sugar."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 55491-5
- Short code
- Insulin 2h p Gc SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin 2h p Gc 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 This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if they suspect you have diabetes, prediabetes, or insulin resistance. It can also be used to monitor treatment for conditions like diabetes or metabolic disorders. This test is often part of a glucose tolerance test, which also includes blood sugar measurements.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll drink a sweet liquid (glucose solution) and have blood drawn from a vein (usually in your arm) at specific times, including 2 hours later. Avoid smoking or caffeine before the test. Follow any fasting instructions if your doctor provided them.
What the Test Results Mean
Insulin levels alone don’t provide a full picture of how your body handles glucose. This test is usually interpreted alongside blood sugar readings from the glucose tolerance test. Abnormal results may indicate poor insulin function or other metabolic issues.
Common Causes of Abnormal Results
High insulin levels might suggest conditions like insulinoma (a rare tumor) or overproduction of insulin. Low levels could indicate diabetes, insulin resistance, or other hormonal imbalances. Your doctor will consider your full medical history and other test 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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Insulin 2hPG
Frequently asked questions
What symptoms might this test be checking for?
How often should I get this test?
Can I eat or drink anything before this 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