Synonyms: Glucose profile, hourly blood glucose
Related tests: fructosamine, urine albumin, A1C, Insulin, C-peptide
Clinical significance
The glucose profile measures blood glucose at various times during a normal day in a person with diabetes. The test is normally requested when blood glucose control by the medicine is suspected to be inadequate (see also glycated haemoglobin). There can be various causes: the dose of the medicine is no longer enough to make up for the lack of insulin, the patient has changed the calories in their diet, or they are not taking the medicine regularly. For this reason the patient must behave as usual, without changing their diet, meal times, medicine times or physical activity.
Clinical indications
Checking the effectiveness of treatment.
Sample type
The patient must have several blood samples taken during the day: one fasting and the others at the times shown on the doctor’s request.
Preparation
You must fast for 12 hours; a small amount of water is allowed. Avoid alcohol and smoking. You must have been standing or sitting upright for at least 30 minutes.
In the days before the blood test, you are advised to keep to your usual diet as far as possible. Avoid intense exercise in the 8-12 hours before the blood test, and avoid any unusual activity.
During the glucose profile, patients who are insulin-dependent or taking oral diabetes medicines must not stop taking them.