Insulin (Serum/Plasma) Concentration
This test measures the amount of insulin, a hormone produced by your pancreas, in your blood. It helps regulate blood sugar levels.
["Insulin helps control how your body uses sugar for energy."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56941-8
- Short code
- Insulin 8h p chal SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin 8h 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 Is Done
Your doctor may order an insulin test to check for conditions like diabetes, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), or to monitor treatment effectiveness for diabetes or other metabolic disorders. It may also be used in research or specialized clinical settings to assess insulin sensitivity or secretion.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for 8–12 hours before the test. If you’re taking diabetes medications, your doctor may instruct you to adjust your dose or timing beforehand. Bring any relevant medical history or current medications to your appointment.
How the Test Is Performed
A healthcare provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. You may feel a brief pinch, but the procedure is quick. The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis using an immunoassay method to detect insulin levels.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted based on your clinical context, symptoms, and other lab tests. Abnormal results may signal diabetes, insulin resistance, or other endocrine (hormone-related) conditions. Your doctor will discuss findings with you and explain next steps.
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, pancreatic tumors, or reactive hypoglycemia. Low levels can suggest diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, or malabsorption disorders. Monitoring insulin levels helps diagnose and manage metabolic disorders, including type 1 or type 2 diabetes, and assesses how well treatments like insulin therapy or oral medications are working.
Short name
Insulin Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my insulin test results?
Can I eat or drink anything before my insulin test?
Will I need to take any special medications before the test?
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