Blood glucose (sugar) tolerance test

Procedure Information

What is a Blood Glucose (Sugar) Tolerance Test?

A Blood Glucose (Sugar) Tolerance Test is a procedure used to determine how well a person can process glucose in their body over a period of time.

Why Would I Get a Blood Glucose (Sugar) Tolerance Test?

A Blood Glucose (Sugar) Tolerance Test is used to detect diabetes or insulin resistance.

What Happens During a Blood Glucose (Sugar) Tolerance Test?

During the Blood Glucose (Sugar) Tolerance Test, a patient will be required to fast for at least 8 hours before the test. Then, a baseline blood sample will be taken. Afterward, the patient will receive a sweetened drink containing glucose which they must consume within 5 minutes. Blood samples will be taken every 30 minutes for a total of 3 hours to measure the body's response to the glucose.

What to Expect After a Blood Glucose (Sugar) Tolerance Test?

After the Blood Glucose (Sugar) Tolerance Test has been completed, a healthcare professional will review the results. These results will indicate whether the body is able to process glucose properly or if there are any issues that need further investigation.

Conclusion

The Blood Glucose (Sugar) Tolerance Test is a procedure used to detect diabetes or insulin resistance. Patients will be asked to fast for at least 8 hours before the test, and then consume a sweetened drink containing glucose. Blood samples will be taken every 30 minutes for 3 hours. Afterwards, the results will be reviewed by a healthcare professional.