Glucose Tolerance Test

Glucose Tolerance Test

Write a short note on the glucose tolerance test.
Answer:

“Common challenges in performing and interpreting glucose tolerance tests”

It is also known as an oral glucose tolerance test.

Instruction to Patient Before Going for Glucose Tolerance Test

The patient who is scheduled for a glucose tolerance test is instructed to eat a high-carbohydrate diet for at least 3 days before the test and come after an overnight fast on the day of the test (for at least 8 hours).

“Understanding the role of glucose tolerance tests in diagnosing diabetes”

Tolerance Test Sample

• A fasting blood sugar sample is first drawn.
• Then 75 gm of glucose dissolved in 300 mL of water is given.
• Blood and urine specimens are collected at half-hour intervals for at least 2 hours.

“Importance of studying glucose tolerance tests for better healthcare outcomes”

Tolerance Test Analysis

Blood or plasma glucose content is measured and tested for glucosuria to determine the approximate renal threshold for glucose. Venous whole blood concentrations are 15% lower than plasma glucose values.

Tolerance Test Results

“Steps to identify common types of glucose tolerance tests”

• Individuals with a fasting value of plasma glucose higher than 126 mg/dl and a 2-hour value after 75 gm glucose higher than 200 mg /dL are labeled as diabetics.
• In a symptomatic case, the random blood glucose value above 200 mg/dl is diagnosed as diabetes mellitus.
• The normal cut-off value for fasting blood glucose is considered 110 mg/dl. Cases with fasting blood glucose values between 110 and 126 mg/dl are considered impaired fasting glucose tolerance (IGT); these cases are at increased risk of developing diabetes later and, therefore, are kept under observation for repeating the test.
• During pregnancy, however, a case of IGT is treated as diabetic.