Glucose in Plasma (24-Hour Profile)
This test measures your blood glucose levels over a 24-hour period using plasma samples. It helps assess how your body manages glucose, especially important for diagnosing or monitoring conditions like diabetes.
["Understanding your body’s glucose control over time to prevent complications like high or low blood sugar."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12636-7
- Short code
- Glucose sp7 DiafP-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Glucose sp7 DiafP-mCnc
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 70
- Ref high
- 100
- Critical range
- 50 N/A – 400 N/A
- Fasting
- true
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82947
- SNOMED
- 260395008
- 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
This test is done to measure the amount of sugar in your blood and to show how your glucose levels rise and fall throughout the day. It helps your doctor detect diabetes or prediabetes, check how well your current treatment is working, and understand how your diet, physical activity, and medicines affect your blood sugar.
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms of diabetes (like frequent urination, extreme thirst, or fatigue), if you’re at risk for diabetes (e.g., due to obesity, family history, or high blood pressure), or if you’re already on diabetes medication. It can also help check how well your current treatment is working.
During the test, small blood samples are taken at scheduled times, such as after fasting and after meals or a sugary drink. Each sample is analyzed in a laboratory, and the values, usually reported in mg/dL, are plotted as a glucose profile so your doctor can see the full pattern of your blood sugar changes.
Blood samples are collected at specific times over 24 hours to measure glucose levels in plasma. The results help create a picture of your glucose patterns, which doctors use to tailor treatment plans.
You will usually be asked to fast for 8 to 12 hours before the test, which means no food or beverages except plain water. Take your medicines only if your doctor tells you to, avoid alcohol and smoking beforehand, and bring a complete list of everything you take with you to your appointment.
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to avoid certain foods or drinks (like sugary snacks or caffeine) for a few hours before some collections. Follow your provider’s instructions carefully.
A nurse or phlebotomist will draw blood from a vein in your arm, and more than one sample may be needed if readings are taken at different times. Each draw takes only a few minutes and may feel like a quick pinch. Afterward, you can eat normally and return to your usual activities unless your doctor advises otherwise.
You’ll have several blood draws over the day, typically spaced every few hours. The process is quick and usually done in a clinic or doctor’s office. You may feel slight discomfort at each site, but it’s temporary.
Reference range
Fasting: 70-100 mg/dLN/A
Fasting for 8-12 hours required. Water is permitted. Avoid chewing gum and smoking before the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
24-Hour Glucose Profile
Frequently asked questions
This test helps identify patterns like high or low glucose levels that might indicate diabetes, insulin resistance, or other metabolic issues. It can also reveal how well your body responds to insulin or other treatments, guiding long-term care plans.
It shows whether your glucose stays within a healthy range most of the time, or if there are spikes or drops that need management. For example, high average levels may mean you need better diabetes control, while erratic results might signal underlying health concerns.
Results are typically ready within a few days to a week, depending on your lab. Your provider will discuss them with you during a follow-up visit.
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