Glucose tolerance test
Key points
- The glucose tolerance test measures the body's ability to metabolize glucose.
- Glucose is the sugar that the body uses for energy.
- Consult your health care provider if you are using medication that can interfere with the test results.
- When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation.
Alternative names
Oral glucose tolerance test
Definition
The glucose tolerance test measures the body's ability to metabolize glucose.
How the test is performed
Glucose is the sugar that the body uses for energy. Patients with untreated diabetes have high blood glucose levels. Glucose tolerance tests are one of the tools used to make the diagnosis of diabetes.
The most common glucose tolerance test is the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). After an overnight fast, a patient drinks a solution containing a known amount of glucose. Blood is obtained before the patient drinks the glucose solution, and blood is drawn again every 30 to 60 minutes after the glucose is consumed for up to 3 hours.
Blood glucose levels above normal limits at the times measured can be used to diagnose type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes (high blood glucose during pregnancy). Insulin levels may also be measured. (Insulin is the hormone produced by the pancreas that moves glucose from the bloodstream into cells.)
The intravenous glucose tolerance test (IGTT) is not often used. In this test, patients are given a known amount of glucose by vein for 3 minutes, and blood insulin levels are measured before glucose and at 1 and 3 minutes. Insulin levels below a standard threshold may predict the development of type 1 diabetes in some patients.
How to prepare for the test
Fast for 12 hours and do not eat during the test. Consult your health care provider if you are using medication that can interfere with the test results. (See special considerations.)
In infants and children:
The preparation you can provide for this test depends on your child's age, previous experience, and level of trust. For general information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics:
- Infant test/procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
- Toddler test/procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
- Preschooler test/procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
- Schoolage test/procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
- Adolescent test/procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)
How the test will feel
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.
Why the test is performed
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.