Glucose in Serum (24-hour profile)
This test measures your blood sugar levels over a 24-hour period using a sample of your serum. It helps assess how your body manages glucose, especially important for diagnosing or monitoring conditions like diabetes.
["A 24-hour glucose profile helps track blood sugar trends and identify patterns in your glucose levels."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 7773-5
- Short code
- Deprecated Cultivated Wheat IgE Qn
- Synonyms
- Deprecated Cultivated Wheat IgE Qn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of diabetes, such as frequent urination, excessive thirst, or unexplained weight changes. It may also be used to evaluate how well your body responds to glucose, especially if you’re taking medications or insulin. Some people get this test to check for conditions like hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or prediabetes.
How the Test Works
Instead of a single blood draw, this test involves collecting blood samples at different times over 24 hours. The samples are analyzed to measure glucose concentration at each time point. The results help create a detailed picture of your glucose levels throughout the day and night.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast (not eat or drink anything except water) for a certain period before the first blood draw. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully. If you’re taking medications that affect blood sugar, let your provider know.
What to Expect During the Test
You’ll have several blood draws at scheduled times, typically including before meals and after meals. The process is quick and usually done in a clinic or lab. You may feel slight discomfort from the needle, but it should go away quickly. You can return to your normal activities afterward.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is crucial for diagnosing diabetes, assessing how well diabetes is controlled, and identifying patterns in blood sugar that might indicate other metabolic issues. A 24-hour profile can reveal whether your body produces enough insulin, how your liver releases glucose, or if your body is resistant to insulin. It’s also useful for monitoring long-term glucose trends in people with diabetes to prevent complications.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I have this test?
What do my results mean?
Can I eat or drink anything before the blood draws?
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