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The oral glucose tolerance test is used to diagnose diabetic conditions and can be safely administered during pregnancy. It requires minimal preparation, but fasting for at least four hours is necessary. The test carries minimal risks, and some prescription drugs can interfere with the results. The test involves taking blood samples periodically after drinking a glucose solution to evaluate how well the body metabolizes sugar. High blood glucose levels are indicative of diabetes.
An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is a diagnostic tool used to evaluate how well an individual’s body metabolizes sugar. Often used to diagnose diabetic conditions, an oral glucose tolerance test requires minimal preparatory steps and can be safely administered during pregnancy. An OGTT carries a minimal risk of complications and these should be discussed with a qualified healthcare professional before the test is administered.
Under normal circumstances, the body uses sugar consumed through one’s diet as fuel. When the body fails to metabolize the sugar consumed, it builds up, triggering an imbalance that can lead to a pre-diabetic condition that puts the body at risk for complications that can impair its ability to function properly. The presence of consistently high blood glucose levels is generally indicative of pre-diabetes, which is considered a precursor to the development of type 2 diabetes. It has been estimated that nearly 57 million people in the United States alone have pre-diabetes which it can be detected through the administration of an oral glucose tolerance test.
Similarly, when a woman becomes pregnant, she may have an elevated risk of developing gestational diabetes. The presence of this form of diabetes is often temporary and disappears once the woman has given birth. In the meantime, it is important for you to monitor your blood glucose levels to reduce the risk of complications for both you and your unborn baby. As a precautionary measure, it is not uncommon for an oral glucose tolerance test to be used as a screening tool to detect this diabetic condition.
There are minimal preparatory steps required for an oral glucose tolerance test. Individuals are generally instructed to maintain their normal diet in the weeks and days leading up to the test so that the test results can have an accurate basis. While fasting for a minimum of four hours is required before the test is administered to prevent an incorrect reading, an individual is usually instructed not to consume any food or drink for at least 12 hours before the test.
The test carries a minimal risk of complications which can include excessive bleeding, lightheadedness, and bruising at the injection site. Some prescription drugs can interfere with the metabolic processes associated with this type of test, including beta blockers and oral contraceptive drugs. Individuals should consult their physician regarding potential drug interactions prior to administering the test.
The oral glucose tolerance test is multifaceted in its administration and can take several hours to complete. After the initial fast, a blood sample will be taken using a small needle. Obtained from a vein, blood sampling is generally a relatively painless procedure. Some individuals may experience slight, momentary discomfort when the needle is inserted and a dull ache when the needle is withdrawn.
After blood is drawn, the individual is given a liquid glucose solution to drink, which can induce nausea. Subsequent blood samples can then be drawn periodically up to three hours after administration of the sugar solution. Each blood sample taken serves as a snapshot of the metabolizing process as the body processes the sugar consumed. The overall picture created by the multiple blood draws can then be interpreted to evaluate the resulting blood sugar levels. After the test is complete, high blood glucose levels are usually indicative of diabetes.
