Insulin (Serum) with 24-Hour Profile
This test measures insulin levels in your blood over a 24-hour period to help assess how your body produces and responds to insulin.
["Understanding your insulin production helps manage conditions like diabetes or metabolic health."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12747-2
- Short code
- Insulin 3.5h p chal SerPl-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin 3.5h 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 you have symptoms of low or high insulin levels, such as unusual hunger, fatigue, or unexplained weight changes. It may also be used to evaluate conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hyperinsulinemia (excess insulin), or to monitor insulin sensitivity in people with diabetes or metabolic disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have blood drawn from a vein in your arm, typically in a clinic or lab. If you’re fasting, follow any instructions your doctor provides to ensure accurate results.
What the Test Results Mean
The results provide a detailed profile of your insulin levels throughout the day, helping identify patterns in production or regulation. This can help pinpoint whether your body is producing too much or too little insulin or if there are other metabolic factors at play.
Common Conditions This Test Helps Diagnose
This test can help diagnose or monitor conditions such as reactive hypoglycemia, insulinoma (a tumor producing excess insulin), or insulin resistance. It may also assist in evaluating hormonal imbalances or metabolic disorders affecting glucose metabolism.
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.
Insulin plays a critical role in regulating blood sugar levels. Abnormal levels can indicate underlying metabolic disorders, hormonal imbalances, or conditions affecting how your body processes nutrients. A 24-hour profile provides a more comprehensive view than a single blood test, helping doctors make more accurate diagnoses and treatment plans.
Frequently asked questions
What does a 24-hour insulin profile test for?
How is the insulin profile different from a regular insulin test?
Can fasting affect the results of 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