Insulin, Serum or Plasma Concentration (Quantitative)
This test measures the amount of insulin in your blood, which helps regulate blood sugar levels. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas.
["Insulin levels help diagnose conditions like diabetes or insulin resistance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 60463-7
- Short code
- Insulin Ab Ser-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin Ab Ser-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 This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), or if you’re being evaluated for diabetes, insulinoma, or other endocrine disorders. It may also be checked during pregnancy, before or after surgery, or if you’re taking medications that affect blood sugar.
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 taking certain medications (like insulin or diabetes drugs), let your provider know.
How the Test Is Performed
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The blood is sent to a lab for analysis using an immunoassay method to detect insulin levels accurately.
What the Results Mean
Results are reported as a concentration of insulin in the blood (units typically in µU/mL or ng/mL). Your provider will compare these results to your symptoms and medical history to determine if further action is needed.
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.
Low insulin levels may indicate conditions like diabetes, pancreatic issues, or certain genetic disorders. High insulin levels can signal insulin resistance, tumors (such as insulinoma), or other metabolic problems. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider, as interpretation depends on your full medical context.
Short name
Insulin Level
Frequently asked questions
What causes insulin levels to be tested?
How long does it take to get results?
Can diet or medications affect insulin test results?
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