Insulin with 24-Hour Profile (Serum/Plasma)
This test measures insulin levels in your blood over a 24-hour period to help assess how your body produces and uses insulin, often used in diagnosing or managing conditions like diabetes or insulin resistance.
["A 24-hour insulin profile helps doctors understand your body’s insulin response over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 47659-8
- Short code
- Insulin 2h p Glc SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin 2h p Glc SerPl-aCnc
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 2.6
- Ref high
- 24.9
- Fasting
- true
- 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, insulin resistance, or other metabolic conditions. It can also help evaluate how well your body responds to insulin, especially in people with unexplained weight changes, frequent hunger, or unusual fatigue.
How the Test Works
Blood samples are collected at multiple time points (typically every few hours) over 24 hours. Each sample is analyzed to measure insulin concentration. The results help create a profile of your insulin levels throughout the day.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to avoid certain medications or foods that could affect insulin levels. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
What to Expect During the Test
Blood samples are drawn from a vein in your arm at scheduled times. You may feel a slight pinch or discomfort, but it usually lasts only a few seconds. You can continue your normal activities unless your doctor advises otherwise.
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.
This test helps identify abnormal insulin production or secretion, which can indicate conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hyperinsulinemia (excess insulin), or diabetes. It may also be used to monitor treatment effectiveness in people with known metabolic disorders.
Short name
Insulin Profile (24h)
Frequently asked questions
How long does the 24-hour insulin profile take?
Can I eat or drink anything before or during the test?
What does a normal insulin profile look like?
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