Insulin, 2-Hour Postprandial, Serum/Plasma — Concentration
Measures insulin in a blood sample collected 2 hours after eating to assess how the body responds to a meal and regulates blood glucose.
["This test shows how much insulin your body releases in response to food."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 33816-0
- Short code
- Insulin sp2 p chal SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin sp2 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
What is this test?
This blood test measures the concentration of insulin, a hormone made by the pancreas that helps move glucose from the bloodstream into cells. The sample is generally collected 2 hours after a meal.
Why might I need this test?
A postprandial insulin test may be used to evaluate insulin production and the body's response to food. It may be ordered alongside glucose and C-peptide measurements when diabetes, insulin resistance, or unusual insulin levels are being evaluated.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein and sent to a laboratory for measurement. The laboratory uses a validated immunoassay or another analytical method to determine the insulin concentration.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the timing instructions provided by your healthcare professional. Because this is a postprandial test, eat the meal agreed upon with the clinician and have the sample collected at the specified time, usually 2 hours afterward.
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.
Insulin that remains elevated after eating may occur with insulin resistance, obesity, or type 2 diabetes, although other factors can affect the result. Insulin that is lower than expected in the setting of elevated glucose may suggest inadequate insulin production. Results should be interpreted with the meal conditions, glucose levels, medications, and other test findings.
Short name
2-Hour Postprandial Insulin
Frequently asked questions
Why is the collection time important?
Does this test diagnose diabetes by itself?
Do I need to stop taking my diabetes medicines?
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