The oral glucose tolerance test is used to measure your body’s response to glucose. It is mostly used to diagnose type 2 diabetes and is also known as a glucose tolerance test or 75-gram glucose tolerance test. To diagnose gestational diabetes in pregnant women an advanced version of this test is used. This test helps to identify abnormalities in the way the body handles glucose after a meal. During the procedure of the glucose tolerance test, you need to drink a sugar syrup solution (75 grams) after fasting for a while. A few blood samples are also taken to see how your body is handling the sugar in the drink.

This is the safest test to diagnose diabetes in children and adults. That’s why if you experience the symptoms of diabetes or have the risk of diabetes, this test is used. Log on to www.doralhw.org for a consultation.

Who should take the test?

This test is used to check the abnormalities in the way the body handles glucose after a meal. If your fasting glucose levels are not normal, then you might have diabetes. You should take this test if you have these factors or symptoms:

• Overweight or obese
• Family history or close family members are diagnosed with diabetes.
• High blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
• Delivered a baby who is less than 9 pounds.
• Have polycystic ovarian syndrome.
• Had gestational diabetes during pregnancy. This test is usually done around the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy to see if you develop gestational diabetes.

Risks

The oral glucose tolerance test is not dangerous.

While you will need to visit a healthcare facility or provider’s office, the test is usually performed as an outpatient procedure (that means you do not need to be admitted to the hospital). A few blood samples are required, but they do not take long and usually do not cause any problems (complications).

When performing the oral glucose tolerance test, there are very few side effects or risks. Some people have difficulty swallowing the oral glucose solution. They may experience nausea and even vomit. If this occurs, the test may not be completed that day. During the test, people are closely monitored to ensure that they are safe.

While the oral glucose tolerance test is considered safe for most people, there are a few exceptions.

An oral glucose tolerance test is not recommended if you:

• Are recovering from surgery, trauma, or infection
• Have an allergy to sugar or dextrose
• Have been diagnosed with diabetes
• Have a history of Hypokalemia (from low potassium levels)
• Are experiencing extreme psychological stress

If you cannot complete the oral glucose tolerance test, your provider will rely on other tests to determine your blood glucose levels. Alternatives to an oral glucose tolerance test include blood or urine tests to check your blood sugar or home monitoring with a glucometer.

If you want to know more, you can talk to our endocrinologists for advice and/or a second opinion. To learn more about diabetes and its management visit our Endocrinology page. You can also visit our website at  https://doralhw.org if you have any queries. Call us on +1-347-384-5690 to get answers to your queries or pay us a visit at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212. And if you have diabetes or have its symptoms, come to us for diagnosis and treatment, we have the best endocrinologists and diabetes specialists to help you throughout the process.

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