Insulin, mass concentration in serum (24-hour profile)
This test measures insulin levels over a 24-hour period in your blood serum to help assess how your body responds to glucose.
["Understanding your insulin levels over time can help diagnose or monitor conditions like diabetes or insulin resistance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 47667-1
- Short code
- Insulin 6M p Gc SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin 6M p Gc 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, such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, or unexplained weight changes. It may also be used to evaluate how well your body produces insulin or to check for insulin resistance. Some people with prediabetes or suspected insulin-related disorders also get this test.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll typically fast for 8 to 12 hours before the test. Your blood will be drawn from a vein in your arm at scheduled intervals over 24 hours. A healthcare professional will explain the process and provide instructions to ensure accuracy.
What the Test Results Mean
The results show insulin levels at different times during the day. Abnormal patterns may indicate issues like insulin deficiency, insulin resistance, or other metabolic conditions. Your provider will interpret the results in relation to your symptoms and medical history.
Common Conditions Linked to This Test
This test helps diagnose or manage diabetes (including type 1 and type 2), insulinoma (a rare tumor that causes excessive insulin production), or conditions affecting insulin sensitivity. It may also be used in research or specialized clinical settings to study 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.
Clinical Significance
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my insulin 24-hour profile results?
Can I eat or drink anything before the blood draws during the 24-hour test?
Will the blood draws hurt?
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