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Insulin, Serum Concentration (Quantitative)

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

This test measures the amount of insulin in your blood serum. Insulin is a hormone produced by your pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Quick summary

["Insulin helps control how your body uses sugar for energy."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
56944-2
Short code
Insulin 3D p chal SerPl-aCnc
Synonyms
Insulin 3D p chal 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 Might Be Ordered

Your doctor may recommend this test to check for conditions like diabetes, insulin resistance, or to monitor treatment for diabetes or other hormonal imbalances. It can also help diagnose issues with your pancreas or adrenal glands.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8 to 12 hours before the test if it’s part of a glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity study. If fasting isn’t required, avoid heavy meals or sugary drinks.

What Happens During the Test

A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch or discomfort, but it usually takes only a few minutes. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.

What the Results Mean

Results help your doctor assess whether your insulin levels are too high or too low, which can indicate conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), hyperinsulinemia, or other metabolic disorders. Exact values are compared to general reference ranges for your age and health status.

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

Short name

Serum Insulin Level

Frequently asked questions

What does a high insulin level mean?
A high insulin level may indicate conditions such as insulinoma, excessive insulin production, or certain metabolic syndromes. Your doctor will review your full medical picture to determine the cause and next steps.
What does a low insulin level mean?
Low insulin levels can signal diabetes, adrenal gland problems, or severe liver disease. This test often comes with other blood tests to provide a clearer picture of your health.
Is fasting required for this test?
Fasting may be required depending on the context of the test (e.g., glucose tolerance studies). Always follow your doctor’s instructions, as fasting can affect insulin levels and test accuracy.
  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