Insulin concentration in serum measured over a 24-hour period following meals (24-hour postprandial insulin profile)
This test measures how your body responds to insulin after eating, helping assess how well your pancreas produces insulin to manage blood sugar levels.
["Understanding your insulin response after meals can help diagnose or monitor conditions like diabetes or insulin resistance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 95116-0
- Short code
- Insulin 30M p meal SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin 30M p meal SerPl-aCnc
- 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 you have symptoms of diabetes, such as frequent thirst, fatigue, or unexplained weight changes. It may also be used to evaluate how well your current diabetes treatment is working or to check for conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or insulin resistance.
How the Test Works
Blood samples are collected at multiple time points (typically after meals) over a 24-hour period. Each sample measures insulin levels in your serum, which helps create a profile of how your body handles insulin post-meal.
Sample Collection Process
You’ll likely be asked to follow a specific diet or fasting instructions before the test. Blood samples are drawn at scheduled times, often including after meals, to capture insulin levels throughout your day.
What to Expect Before the Test
Prepare by discussing any medications or supplements you take, as they may affect insulin levels. Avoid smoking or consuming alcohol before testing, as these can influence 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.
Clinical Significance
Frequently asked questions
How does this test help doctors diagnose or manage diabetes or related conditions?
What do abnormal results mean?
How often should I get 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