diabetes cure
                                  How Does The Glucose Tolerance Test Works? 
  
Diabetes can be tested by a means called a glucose tolerance test.  It can also be used to modify medications or an unbalanced insulin level.  With the number of individuals diagnosed with diabetes on the rise, the need for a gtt is more important than ever.  If diabetes goes undetected, then serious health issues can develop.  If an individual continues to live with an irregularity with medication and/or insulin for prolonged periods of time, complications can also arise.  A glucose tolerance test can also be used to determine if a pregnant mother has gestational diabetes.

How it works

The oral glucose tolerance test (OGGT) is the one glucose tolerance test that is most commonly used to test for diabetes.  The test consists of taking a blood sample at periodic intervals to determine the level of blood sugar under different phases of the body's processes.  There may be a certain diet that the individual is suggested to eat during the three days prior to the test. 

Fasting-the fasting phase is the period of time (at least eight hours) that the body rests.  The first test will be taken in the morning.  The initial test will comprise of the individual drinking a liquid that contains a certain amount of glucose.  Blood will be drawn to determine the level of glucose in the blood at that time. 

Intermittent testing-after the initial test, a sample of blood will be drawn every hour (1 hour test).  This process may continue up to three hours
(3 hours test), during which time the individual must refrain from eating any food and anything else that will alter the test results (exercise, smoking).

The results are displayed in a reading of glucose levels (mg/dl).  The readings will vary according to time with higher levels indicating a greater chance of having diabetes mellitus. 

Other test

There are other types of tests available for different reasons.  An intravenous glucose tolerance test (IGTT) may be administered on less frequent occasions.  This is where glucose is actually injected into the body.  The results will be the same.

Gestational diabetes

The oral glucose tolerance test is given to pregnant women during the period between week 24 and week 28 of pregnancy.  It is suggested that this is done if there is a history of gestational diabetes with the mother, if there has been a previous birth of a child what was greater than nine pounds or if obesity is a factor with the pregnant mother.

Value of this test

  1. A gtt is very useful one and gives almost fool proof diagnosis of diabetes
  2. It is also useful in detecting borderline cases of diabetes that will eventually develop diabetes.
  3. It is not used these days because it is time consuming and at times ill,debilitated patients cannot undergo such a tedious test in a laboratory or hospital.


A glucose tolerance test can be helpful in screening for diabetes in anyone who is obese, has a family history of diabetes, is pregnant or may have symptoms of insulin intolerance or resistance.  If the gtt is administered in the early stages of prediabetes, then measures can be taken to prevent any further complications.  If the result reveals the onset of diabetes, then more aggressive measures will be necessary to prevent any further complications.  This may include losing weight, exercise and a change in diet.  It is apparent why it is necessary for anyone who is pregnant to submit to a test.  It will prevent any possible long-term health issues with the mother (which may eventually include type 2 diabetes) and reduce the health risks to the unborn child.



 


                             
                                                                  












.
From glucose tolerance test to diabetes test
Return to diabetes cure strategy

Reviews

Tips to spot the best blood glucose meter



Search This Site

Custom Search






About This Website Home Diabetes Blog History of Diabetes

Type 2 Diabetes

About Type 2 Diabetes Causes

Diabetes Test

Diabetes Test Glucose Tolerance Test Diabetes Blood Test

F.A.Q

Diabetes FAQ

Type 2 Exercises

Diabetes And Exercises

Insulin

The Power of Insulin Insulin Side Effects

Blood Sugar

Normal Blood Sugar Dangers of High Blood Sugar

Diabetes Medications

Taking Diabetes Medications

Natural Diabetes Supplement

Herbs For Diabetes Is Cinnamon Good For Diabetes?

Diabetes Complications

Diabetic Neuropathy Diabetic Nephropathy Diabetic Ketoacidosis Diabetes and Heart Disease Low Blood Sugar

Diabetes Supplies

Best Diabetes Lancet

Celebrities With Diabetes

Famous Celebrities With Diabetes

Glycemic Index

Glycemic Index Chart

Diabetes Diet

Diabetic Diet Plan Gestational Diabetes Diet

RSS Google RSS button My Yahoo! RSS button My MSN RSS button Bloglines RSS button



 
  

 
Copyright© 2009.
Real Time Web Analytics