The Concept Of Glucose Tolerance Test In Diabetes

A glucose tolerance test gauges how well the body’s cells can absorb glucose (sugar) after the consumption of a specific quantity of sugar. The diabetologist uses fasting blood sugar levels and hemoglobin A1c estimates to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes as well as prediabetes. Even doctors essentially, use a glucose tolerance test to diagnose diabetes during pregnancy also called gestational diabetes.

Doctors often diagnose type 1 diabetes instantly because it usually develops quickly and involves high blood sugar levels and symptoms whereas the Type 2 diabetes, on the other hand, often develops over the years. Type 2 diabetes is the most prevalent form of diabetes, and it normally develops during adulthood.

Who Needs A Glucose Tolerance Test In Diabetes?

Generally, doctors screen all pregnant women for gestational diabetes as can lead to pregnancy complications, hence early detection and prompt treatment are important. Those who are pregnant, are strictly recommended by their physician that you can have this test within weeks 24 and 28 of the pregnancy. The doctor may also recommend this test a bit earlier if one is encountering diabetes symptoms or if there is a risk of having diabetes before you were pregnant.

How To Get Prepared For A Glucose Tolerance Test?

Planning for the glucose tolerance test requires the following. One should continue to eat a normal diet in the days driving up to the test. It is required to consult with the doctor about any medicines if you’re presently consuming which may comprise of corticosteroids, beta-blockers, diuretics, and antidepressants as these can conflict with the results.

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

The patient needs to fast for concisely eight hours before the listed test. Drinking water is allowed but one should avoid beverages which cover coffee and caffeinated tea, as these can intervene with the results. Going to the loo should be avoided just before the procedure because a urine sample may be asked for. It is necessary that you get engrossed to read or get involved in an activity which keeps you occupied while you wait. The tolerance test will vary depending on whether you’re being examined for diabetes or gestational diabetes. In the case of an oral glucose tolerance test for diabetes, the doctor will initially withdraw fasting blood to test the fasting glucose level first. Next, it is followed by a drink which is 8 ounces of a syrupy glucose solution that contains 75 grams of sugar. The blood is drawn at one- and two-hour marks.

Gestational Diabetes Testing

In the case of gestational diabetes first, a one-hour screening and then, a three-hour glucose tolerance test is done. Following blood draw to test fasting glucose, the patient needs to drink a solution with 50 grams of sugar and after an hour later, you need to give the blood sample. A technician will generally measure the blood sugar level. Once this test is positive it will be followed by a three-hour version of the OGTT. In the three-hour test, the patient is asked to consume a syrupy glucose solution that contains 100 grams of sugar and in the third hour, the blood is withdrawn.

Overall there are three occasions when the blood is withdrawn first during fasting, next during 1-2-hour interval after consumption of 50 gm sugar solution followed by third-hour withdrawal which is done after 100 gm sugar solution consumption. By following this procedure, the doctor gets a correct picture of how well the body is combating the sugar challenge.

Reference

If you are looking to get your glucose tolerance level tested meet the best diabetologist in Gurgaon Dr Mudit Sabharwal at Dharma diabetes and metabolic clinic Gurgaon.

Categorised in: Diabetes Test