Insulin Concentration Measured After Standardized Meal Challenge via Serum
This test measures your insulin levels in blood drawn after you eat a standard meal. It helps assess how well your body responds to glucose.
["This test helps evaluate your body’s ability to manage blood sugar after eating."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 95120-2
- Short code
- Insulin 5h p meal SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin 5h 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 healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of diabetes, insulin resistance, or other metabolic conditions. It can also help diagnose or monitor conditions like prediabetes, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, or other disorders affecting how your body uses insulin.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll likely fast for 8–12 hours before the test. Bring any medications you take daily with you. Follow any specific instructions your doctor gives, such as avoiding certain foods or drinks.
During the Test
After fasting, you’ll eat a premeasured meal. Blood samples will be drawn at set intervals—usually before the meal and at 30 minutes, 60 minutes, and sometimes later. The blood is tested for insulin levels.
What the Results Mean
Results compare your insulin levels to expected ranges after eating. Abnormal results may indicate how well your pancreas produces insulin or how your body uses it.
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.
This test helps identify whether your body produces enough insulin to manage blood sugar properly. Low or high insulin levels after a meal can signal diabetes, insulin resistance, or other metabolic issues. It’s particularly useful for diagnosing conditions like reactive hypoglycemia or distinguishing between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
Short name
Insulin Post-Meal Serum
Frequently asked questions
How long does the test take?
Do I need to prepare for fasting?
What if I miss my fasting window?
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