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Insulin (Serum) with 24-Hour Profile

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

This test measures insulin levels in your blood over a 24-hour period to help assess how your body produces and responds to insulin.

Quick summary

["Understanding your insulin production helps manage conditions like diabetes or metabolic health."]

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

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

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

Frequently asked questions

What does a 24-hour insulin profile test for?
This test measures insulin levels at multiple points over 24 hours to assess how your body produces and releases insulin. It helps identify patterns of insulin secretion that may not be visible in a single blood test.
How is the insulin profile different from a regular insulin test?
Unlike a single-point insulin test, which only checks one time, a 24-hour profile provides continuous data across the day. This allows doctors to detect fluctuations in insulin levels that could indicate conditions like hypoglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, or insulin resistance.
Can fasting affect the results of this test?
Yes, fasting may influence insulin levels. If instructed by your doctor, follow fasting guidelines to ensure the test reflects your natural insulin production patterns. Avoid eating or drinking anything except water before the scheduled blood draws.
  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