Glucose tolerance test - non-pregnant
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Glucose Tolerance Test for Non-Pregnant Patients
A glucose tolerance test is a form of medical test used to determine whether or not a person’s blood sugar level is within the normal range. This type of test is typically performed on individuals who are non-pregnant and not taking any medications that may impact the results. Read on to learn more about the glucose tolerance test, including why it’s performed, what happens during the procedure, the types of tests available, potential risks, and more.
What is a Glucose Tolerance Test?
A glucose tolerance test is the most common medical test used to evaluate a patient’s response to glucose, or sugar, in the bloodstream. During the test, a person is initially given a dose of glucose, and then, their blood is repeatedly measured throughout the duration of the test.
Why is a Glucose Tolerance Test Performed?
A glucose tolerance test is typically performed to diagnose someone with diabetes if their fasting blood glucose levels are in the normal range. It’s also done to diagnose other conditions such as conditions that involve the body’s inability to store glucose, including Cushing's syndrome and hypothyroidism. In some cases, a glucose tolerance test may be ordered to provide information on a patient’s chances of developing diabetes. Additionally, while this type of test is more commonly used on non-pregnant individuals, it can also be administered to pregnant women.
Preparation
Prior to taking the glucose tolerance test, individuals should refrain from drinking, eating, and exercising for at least eight hours before the test. Additionally, they must make sure to discuss with their healthcare provider any medications they’re taking as some of them may interfere with the test results.
Procedure
During the procedure, individuals should first be given a fasting glucose measurement. After the fasting glucose levels have been evaluated, they will be administered a certain amount of glucose orally. Usually, the amount is about 75-grams of glucose. Immediately after that, blood is drawn approximately every hour for over three hours. The blood tests are taken to evaluate how the individual’s body is processing the glucose. In some cases, multiple glucose tolerance tests may be done to measure other hormones, such as glucagon, cortisol, or glucagon-like peptide 1.
Types of Glucose Tolerance Tests
The most common type is the basic glucose tolerance test in which an individual is instructed to fast overnight and then given a dose of glucose to drink. Another type, the oral glucose tolerance test, is done by measuring the person's blood sugar level before and two hours after drinking a specific amount of a glucose-containing beverage. The third type is the oral two-hour post-prandial glucose test which involves testing the patient's blood sugar level two hours after eating a meal. A combination of these types may also be done.
Risks and Complications
Taking a glucose tolerance test is typically safe and doesn’t pose any significant risks or complications. Some potential side effects include a brief feeling of dizziness, sweating, and a warm sensation after drinking the glucose solution.
When to Seek Medical Advice
If a person is experiencing any unusual symptoms during the test or after it’s complete, they should contact their healthcare provider right away. Additionally, if they have any questions or concerns about the upcoming test, it’s recommended that they discuss them with their doctor prior to having the test done.
