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Insulin, Premeal, Serum/Plasma — Arbitrary Concentration

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

A timed blood test that measures insulin before a meal to help assess pancreatic insulin production and insulin resistance.

Quick summary

["Premeal insulin is interpreted alongside the meal timing, other diabetes tests, and often a postmeal insulin result."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
47670-5
Short code
Insulin pre-meal SerPl-aCnc
Synonyms
Insulin pre-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

What is this test?

This test measures the amount of insulin in a blood sample collected before you eat. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps move sugar from the bloodstream into cells for energy.

Why might I need this test?

A premeal insulin measurement may help evaluate how your body produces and responds to insulin. It may be used in the assessment of diabetes, insulin resistance, or unexplained low blood sugar, often together with other laboratory tests and a postmeal insulin measurement.

How is the test performed?

A blood sample is drawn and tested to measure the insulin present in the serum or plasma. The exact collection time relative to your last meal is important and is usually specified by your healthcare professional.

How do I prepare for the test?

Follow the meal and fasting instructions provided for this test, and tell the laboratory when you last ate. Do not stop insulin or other diabetes medicines unless your clinician specifically directs you to do so.

Reference range

Fasting: 2.6-24.9 μIU/mLN/A

Specimen: serum

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.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Premeal Insulin

Frequently asked questions

Is fasting required for a premeal insulin test?
It depends on the instructions for the specific evaluation. Premeal means the sample is taken before eating, but fasting may or may not also be required.
Why might my clinician order both premeal and postmeal insulin tests?
Measuring insulin before and after a meal shows how insulin levels change in response to food. This can help evaluate insulin production and insulin resistance.
Can insulin medicines affect the result?
Yes. Injected insulin and certain insulin analogs can affect measured insulin levels, so tell your clinician about all insulin products and doses you use.
  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