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Glucose tolerance test (GTT) is a standard medical test that helps in diagnosing diabetes mellitus and prediabetes. The glucose Tolerance Test is also used to diagnose gestational diabetes, polycystic ovary syndrome, and Cushing’s syndrome. This article provides detailed information on the Glucose Tolerance Test including what it is, why it is done, preparation for the test, the procedure of the test, and what to expect after the test.
GTT Full Form
The GTT stands for Glucose Tolerance Test. Glucose is a type of sugar that is found in many foods, like bread and fruits. The GTT is a test that measures how well your body can handle glucose.
During the GTT, you will be asked to drink a sort of glucose solution. This liquid contains a lot of glucose. After you drink it, the health care provider will check your blood sugar level every hour for the next three hours.
Background of GTT
The GTT first came into existence in 1923 by Dr. Fredrick Banting and Dr. Charles Best when they were working on the isolation of insulin from the pancreas. A glucose tolerance test is a medical test in which glucose is given. Then, blood samples are taken to check how quickly it’s cleared from the blood.
Usage of Glucose Tolerance Test
The GTT is used to diagnose diabetes and prediabetes. It can also be used to monitor treatment for diabetes.
The test is usually done in the morning after you have fasted overnight. During the test, you will drink a sort of glucose solution. Your blood sugar levels will be checked at regular intervals for the next two hours.
A high blood sugar level indicates diabetes. A reading between 100 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter) and 125 mg/dL after two hours suggests prediabetes.
If you have diabetes, the GTT can help your doctor determine how well your treatment is working.
Procedure of Glucose Tolerance Test
You will be asked to fast for at least eight hours before the test.
Then, you will drink a special glucose drink.
A blood sample will be taken before you drink the glucose and again two hours after you drink it.
Meaning of results
The blood glucose level becomes normal again. If your blood sugar level does not return to normal, you may have diabetes.
If you have diabetes, your body does not make enough insulin or your body does not use insulin well. Insulin is a hormone that helps the cells of the body to use it for energy. Glucose is a type of sugar found in the blood.
A normal Glucose Tolerance Test result means that your body can properly process sugar.
Complications or side-effects from the Glucose Tolerance Test
Generally, there are no side effects of GTT. However, in very rare cases, some people may experience low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) during or after the test. This usually happens if you have diabetes and your blood sugar is already low. If this happens, you will be given a drink or snack to raise your blood sugar levels.
If you have any concerns or questions about the Glucose Tolerance Test, please talk to your doctor. This is a very important test and it is crucial that you understand everything about it.
Advantages and Disadvantages of GTT
The GTT is more sensitive than fasting blood sugar tests in detecting impaired glucose tolerance.
The GTT also allows your doctor to see how well you respond to a certain dose of glucose.
The main disadvantage of the GTT is that it is time-consuming, and you may have to fast for several hours before the test.
You will also need to have a blood test and a urine test before the GTT.
If you have diabetes, you may need to take special precautions before and after the GTT.
Conclusion
A glucose tolerance test, also called a GTT, is a blood test that checks how well your body handles sugar. The test measures the amount of glucose in your blood after you drink a special beverage that contains sugar. This beverage is called a glucose solution. Glucose solutions are available at pharmacies and some grocery stores. During the test, you will be asked to drink several ounces of the solution and then have your blood drawn several times over the next few hours. The results of the test can help your doctor diagnose diabetes or prediabetes. If you are pregnant, the GTT can check whether you have gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is diabetes that develops during pregnancy.
