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Insulin, Fasting and Post-Meal Panel, Serum/Plasma

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

Measures insulin levels before and after a meal to assess how effectively the body responds to food and glucose.

Quick summary

["This panel shows how your insulin levels respond to fasting and a meal."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
95110-3
Short code
Insulin p Cfst + meal Pnl SerPl
Synonyms
Insulin p Cfst + meal Pnl SerPl
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
44
Ref high
147
Fasting
true
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
CPT
84075
SNOMED
27550007
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

What is this test?

This test measures the amount of insulin in your blood. A fasting sample may be collected before eating, and a second sample may be collected at a specified time after a meal or glucose challenge.

Why might I need this test?

It may be used to evaluate blood sugar control, investigate symptoms of high or low blood sugar, or assess insulin production and release. Results are interpreted alongside your symptoms, medical history, glucose measurements, and other laboratory tests.

How is the test performed?

A healthcare professional draws blood from a vein, usually from your arm. For a post-meal measurement, the blood sample is collected at a prescribed time after you eat a standardized meal or receive a glucose challenge.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the laboratory's instructions about fasting and the timing of the meal. Do not stop prescribed diabetes medicines unless your clinician tells you to, and tell the lab if you have recently eaten, exercised, or taken insulin or other medicines that may affect the results.

Reference range

Adult: 44-147 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Fasting and post-meal insulin panel

Frequently asked questions

Is fasting required for this test?
A fasting sample is often included, but the exact preparation depends on the laboratory protocol. Confirm when and what you should eat before the test.
What happens during the post-meal part of the test?
You may be given a standardized meal or glucose drink, and insulin is measured again at a specified time afterward. The timing is important because it shows how your body responds to a glucose load.
Does this test diagnose diabetes by itself?
No. It provides information about insulin response but does not diagnose diabetes by itself. Your clinician will consider the results together with blood glucose, symptoms, medications, and other findings.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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