Insulin, 5 Minutes Post-Glucose Challenge, Serum/Plasma — Substance Concentration
Measures insulin in blood 5 minutes after a glucose challenge to evaluate how the pancreas responds to rising blood glucose.
["This timed insulin test shows how quickly the pancreas releases insulin after glucose is given."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 25695-8
- Short code
- Insulin sp5 p chal SerPl-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Insulin sp5 p chal SerPl-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
What is this test?
This blood test measures the concentration of insulin 5 minutes after a glucose challenge. Insulin is a hormone made by the pancreas that helps glucose enter cells for energy.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test with other measurements to assess pancreatic insulin production, glucose handling, and possible insulin resistance. It may be used when evaluating diabetes, unusual blood glucose patterns, or episodes of low blood glucose.
How is the test performed?
Blood is collected before and at the specified time after a measured glucose drink or other glucose challenge. The 5-minute sample is drawn exactly as directed, and the serum or plasma is tested for insulin.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the testing center's instructions about fasting and the glucose challenge. Tell the clinician about diabetes medicines, insulin, supplements, and symptoms of low blood glucose, and do not change medicines unless instructed.
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.
An insulin response that is higher or lower than expected may reflect reduced insulin sensitivity, differences in insulin production or clearance, or effects of medicines. Results must be interpreted with the glucose values, collection timing, symptoms, and the rest of the glucose challenge because insulin alone does not diagnose a specific condition.
Short name
5-Minute Post-Challenge Insulin
Frequently asked questions
Why is timing important for this test?
Is this the same as a routine insulin test?
Does one result diagnose diabetes?
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