Insulin, Serum or Plasma Concentration (Quantitative)
This test measures the amount of insulin, a hormone produced by your pancreas, in your blood. It helps assess how well your body regulates blood sugar.
["Insulin levels help diagnose conditions like diabetes or check for insulin resistance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 55387-5
- Short code
- Insulin 45M p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin 45M p chal SerPl-sCnc
- 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 Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test to diagnose or monitor diabetes, check for low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), evaluate insulin resistance, or assess pancreatic function. It can also be used in research or specialized clinical settings.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s part of a glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity study. If you’re on insulin or diabetes medication, let your doctor know.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, typically in a clinic or lab. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed using an immunoassay method to measure insulin concentration.
What the Results Mean
Results are reported as a concentration of insulin in the blood, but exact reference ranges vary by lab. Your doctor will interpret the result in relation to your symptoms, medical history, and other tests.
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.
High insulin levels may indicate insulin resistance, Cushing’s syndrome, or other endocrine disorders. Low levels could signal diabetes, pancreatic issues, or medications affecting insulin production. Abnormal results often prompt further evaluation, such as glucose tolerance tests or additional hormone checks.
Short name
Insulin Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my insulin test results?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
Does this test detect diabetes early?
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