The measure of how well the cells of the body can absorb glucose after consumption is known as the glucose tolerance test. The doctors can even use the haemoglobin A1c values and the levels of the blood sugar to diagnose prediabetes and diabetes of type 1 as well as type 2. The gtt is generally used by the doctors to diagnose diabetes during pregnancy. This type of diabetes is also known as gestational diabetes. The diagnosis of type 1 diabetes can be done fairly quickly because the condition develops rapidly and high blood sugar levels along with symptoms are involved. The gestational diabetes is diagnosed when pregnant women with no symptoms of diabetes start to show high levels of blood sugar as a result of the pregnancy. This condition is quite common.
Who would need to go through the glucose tolerance test?
Doctors should generally look for signs of gestational diabetes in all women. Complications can result from gestational diabetes. This is why prompt treatment plans and early detection is very crucial. The doctor generally recommends taking the test between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. The doctor can even recommend you to take the test earlier if you are experiencing diabetes symptoms or if the patient had been at risk before pregnancy.
It is also important to maintain the count within the RBC normal range to ensure proper development of the foetus and health of the mother.
How would you need to prepare for the glucose tolerance test?
The glucose tolerance test would involve a few steps:
- A normal diet has to be continued in the days leading to the test.
- Consultations need to be made with the doctor about the medications being taken currently. Medications include beta-blockers, corticosteroids, antidepressants and diuretics can interfere with the results of the test
- It is better to avoid going to the bathroom before the procedure as you would need to provide with a urine sample.
- Fasting for 8 hours is necessary before the scheduled test. Water is allowed but other beverages like coffee or caffeinated tea need to be avoided.
What should you be expecting during the test?
The test might take place in the doctor’s office or at a laboratory. The technician would be taking a blood sample to measure the baseline glucose level. This part is called a fasting glucose test. The test would vary depending on whether the test is being taken for diabetes or gestational diabetes.
- Oral glucose tolerance test – The technician would draw blood to measure the fasting glucose level. After that, 8 ounces of a syrupy glucose solution is offered to the patient, containing 75 grams of sugar. The technician would draw blood again at the 1 and 2-hour marks.
- Gestational diabetes testing – The doctor might be using 2 tests to determine if the patient has gestational diabetes. In addition to the test already mentioned, a one-hour screening and a three-hour glucose tolerance test would be performed. A solution with 50 g of sugar is offered and a blood sample is taken after an hour. The second test which includes the three-hour version is conducted only if the result of the first step is positive.
The ige test measures the level of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in the body, which is a type of antibody that helps to protect against certain bacteria.
What happens after the glucose tolerance test?
The doctor might conduct tests on different days if a diagnosis for type 2 diabetes is being made. The doctor would diagnose diabetes or prediabetes and make recommendations on the diet and exercise changes. Diabetes medications might also be prescribed.
Reference: https://www.healthline.com/health/glucose-tolerance-test#follow–up
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