Glucose in Serum (24-hour profile)
This test measures your blood sugar levels over a 24-hour period using serum samples collected at specific intervals. It helps assess how your body manages glucose throughout the day, especially useful for diagnosing or monitoring conditions like diabetes.
["This test helps track how your body handles blood sugar naturally, aiding in diabetes management or identifying hidden glucose issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 48126-7
- Short code
- GH 15M pre Orn SerPl-aCnc
- Synonyms
- GH 15M pre Orn SerPl-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 17
- 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’s also used to check how well your body responds to glucose after meals or during fasting periods. Some people with prediabetes or insulin resistance may need this to monitor trends over time.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll typically fast overnight before this test, but your provider will give specific instructions. Blood samples are drawn from a vein in your arm at set times (often including morning, midday, and evening). If you’re taking diabetes medications, let your provider know—some may need adjustments before testing.
What the Results Mean
Results show your glucose levels at different times. Abnormally high or low readings may indicate diabetes, insulin resistance, or other metabolic conditions. Your provider will interpret these results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Common Conditions Linked to This Test
This test is critical for diagnosing diabetes (type 1 or type 2), prediabetes, or reactive hypoglycemia. It can also help evaluate how well medications or lifestyle changes (like diet or exercise) are controlling blood sugar levels.
Reference range
NCBI: NSE 0-17 ng/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.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
24-Hour Serum Glucose Monitoring
Frequently asked questions
How often should I expect this test?
Will I need to change my diet or activity level before this test?
What if I miss a scheduled blood draw?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy