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The Glucose Tolerance Test is used to detect various health conditions. It is a quick and simple procedure, with costs varying by lab and city. Knowing the normal range helps doctors assess your health accurately. The test is generally safe, with minimal risks such as slight pain or discomfort during sample collection.
What is the Glucose Tolerance Test?
A lab test called the glucose tolerance test measures how quickly your body transports sugar from the blood to tissues like muscle and fat. The exam is frequently used to identify diabetes. The tests used to screen for diabetes during pregnancy are the same, but they are performed differently.
Why is the Glucose Tolerance Test Done?
The sugar that the body utilizes as fuel is called glucose. Untreated diabetic patients have elevated blood glucose levels.
The following first tests are frequently used to identify identify diabetes in adults who are not pregnant:
- If the fasting blood glucose level is more than 126 mg/dL (7 mmol/L) on two independent tests, diabetes is diagnosed.
- Diabetes is identified if the hemoglobin A1c test result is 6.5% or above.
- Diabetes can also be identified via glucose tolerance testing. When a person's fasting blood glucose level is high but not high enough (over 125 mg/dL or 7 mmol/L) to fulfill the diagnosis for diabetes, the OGTT is used to screen for or diagnose diabetes.
An early indication of diabetes than an abnormal fasting glucose is aberrant glucose tolerance, which occurs when blood sugar levels rise excessively following a glucose challenge.
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Get Second OpinionHow is the Glucose Tolerance Test Performed?
The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is the most common glucose tolerance test used. Here's how it works:
- Before the test: You must fast for at least 8 hours. A blood sample will be taken first.
- During the test: You will drink a solution containing about 75 grams of glucose. Blood will be drawn every 30 to 60 minutes to check how your body processes the glucose.
Duration: The test can take up to 3 hours. The glucose solution is equivalent to a highly sweet drink when consumed.
Another variation is the intravenous (IV) glucose tolerance test (IGTT), but it's rarely used and never for diagnosing diabetes. In the IGTT:
- Glucose is injected into your vein over 3 minutes.
- Blood insulin levels are measured before the injection, and again 1 and 3 minutes after.
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What to Do Before the Test?
Following are the points to remember before the test:
- Make sure you eat normally for some days before the test.
- At least eight hours before the test, refrain from eating or drinking anything. You cannot eat while taking the exam.
- If any of the medications you take have the potential to alter the outcome of the test, ask your doctor.
How Should I Prepare for the Glucose Tolerance Test?
The glucose solution is equivalent to a highly sweet drink when consumed.
It is extremely rare for this test to have serious negative effects. After consuming the glucose, some patients experience nausea, dizziness, light headedness , or even fainting symptoms during the blood test. If you have a history of these symptoms following blood tests or other medical procedures, let your healthcare professional know.
- Eat normally for at least three days prior to the test, ensuring you consume at least 150 grams of carbohydrates each day.
- Maintain your typical activity level and avoid excessive exercise for at least three days before the test.
- Fast (only drink water) for at least eight hours before the test.
- Do not eat or smoke during the test.
Your healthcare provider will give specific instructions based on your situation and the type of glucose tolerance test you're doing. Be sure to follow them and ask questions if you need clarification.
Are There Any Risks or Side Effects of the Glucose Tolerance Test?
There is minimal risk when having blood drawn. However, veins and arteries can vary in size from person to person, so drawing blood may be easier for some people than others. Possible but rare risks include:
- Excessive bleeding
- Multiple attempts to find a vein
- Feeling lightheaded or fainting
- Hematoma (blood collecting under the skin)
- Infection (a slight risk whenever the skin is punctured)
How Do I Understand My Glucose Tolerance Test Results?
Normal Results:
- Fasting: 60 to 100 mg/dL (3.3 to 5.5 mmol/L)
- 1 hour: Less than 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L)
- 2 hours: Less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L)
Between 141 mg/dL and 200 mg/dL (7.8 to 11.1 mmol/L) is considered impaired glucose tolerance.
Above 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) is diagnostic of diabetes.
In Pregnancy:
- GTT Fasting: ≥92 mg/dL (5.1 mmol/L)
- One hour: ≥180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L)
- Two hours: ≥153 mg/dL (8.5 mmol/L)
Abnormal Results
If your blood glucose level is greater than usual, you may have diabetes or pre-diabetes:
- Impaired glucose tolerance refers to a 2-hour result between 140 and 200 mg/dL (7.8 and 11.1 mmol/L). You are now more likely to eventually get diabetes or you are pre-diabetic.
- Diagnosing diabetes requires a blood glucose level of 200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) or greater.
- Your blood glucose level may increase if your body experiences significant stress, such as trauma, stroke, heart attack, or surgery.
- Vigorous exercise can lower your blood glucose level.
- Several medications can increase or decrease your blood sugar level. Inform your physician of any medications you are taking before the test.
When is the Glucose Tolerance Test Needed?
The glucose tolerance test is primarily used for diagnosing diabetes or pre-diabetes. It may also be recommended to monitor the body's ability to process glucose, especially when fasting blood glucose levels are not conclusive.
Who Should Take the Glucose Tolerance Test?
People who are at risk of diabetes, those with symptoms of high blood sugar (like excessive thirst or frequent urination), or those who have abnormal fasting blood glucose levels may be recommended for this test.
What Should I Do After Getting My Glucose Tolerance Test Results?
If your results indicate abnormal glucose tolerance, your doctor will guide you on the next steps, which may include lifestyle changes, monitoring, or further tests to assess your glucose metabolism and risk for diabetes.
What Type of Sample is Collected for the Glucose Tolerance Test and How?
The test requires a blood sample, which is drawn through a needle inserted into a vein. You will provide a sample before and after consuming the glucose solution.
Are There Other Ways to Collect the Sample for the Glucose Tolerance Test?
For glucose tolerance testing, blood is the typical sample. If intravenous glucose tolerance testing (IVGTT) is performed, glucose is injected into the vein, and blood insulin levels are measured.
How Long Does the Glucose Tolerance Test Take?
The glucose tolerance test typically takes 2-3 hours, including the fasting period, drinking the glucose solution, and blood draws at regular intervals.
When Will I Get My Glucose Tolerance Test Results?
You will usually receive your Glucose Tolerance Test results within 12 to 24 hours, depending on the lab's processing time. Reports are sent directly to you via WhatsApp or as a printed copy. Once you have your results, our doctor will explain them and guide you on the next steps if needed.
Is the Glucose Tolerance Test Painful?
The glucose tolerance test is generally not painful. Some people may feel slight discomfort when the blood is drawn. Mild nausea, dizziness, or lightheadedness can occur after drinking the glucose solution.
What are the Factors Affecting Glucose Tolerance Test Cost?
The cost of the test can vary depending on the following factors:
- Lab type and reputation
- Location (costs may differ by city)
- The test method used (oral or intravenous)
- Additional services like fasting requirements, sample processing, and report generation
How Much Does the Glucose Tolerance Test Cost in India?
The average cost of a Glucose Tolerance Test in India is around Rs.300 - Rs.800. However, the price can change depending on the hospital and the city.
Glucose Tolerance Test Price in Different Cities Across India
| City | Price |
| Hyderabad | Rs.300 - Rs.800 |
| Bangalore | Rs.300 - Rs.800 |
| Pune | Rs.300 - Rs.800 |
| Navi Mumbai | Rs.300 - Rs.800 |
| Nashik | Rs.300 - Rs.800 |
| Warangal | Rs.300 - Rs.800 |
| Kakinada | Rs.300 - Rs.800 |
| MVP Visakhapatnam | Rs.300 - Rs.800 |
| Nellore | Rs.300 - Rs.800 |
| Kurnool | Rs.300 - Rs.800 |
| Karimnagar | Rs.300 - Rs.800 |
| Nizamabad | Rs.300 - Rs.800 |
| Chh. Sambhajinagar | Rs.300 - Rs.800 |
| Srikakulam | Rs.300 - Rs.800 |
| Sangamner | Rs.300 - Rs.800 |
| Vizianagaram | Rs.300 - Rs.800 |
Conclusion: If you are planning to undergo an Glucose Tolerance Test, Medicover Hospitals offers reliable diagnostic services at affordable prices across various cities in India.
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Frequently Asked Questions
A glucose tolerance test (GTT) evaluates the body's capacity to handle blood sugar (glucose). It involves monitoring the blood glucose levels before and after consuming a sweet beverage. This test's results can assist medical professionals in identifying type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance).
A glucose tolerance test is prescribed to measure how quickly your body transports sugar from the blood to tissues like muscle and fat. The exam is frequently used to identify diabetes.
Glucose Tolerance Test: At 2 hours, a blood sugar level of 140 mg/dL or lower is considered normal, 140 to 199 mg/dL indicates you have prediabetes, and 200 mg/dL or higher indicates you have diabetes.
Test for Oral Glucose Tolerance (OGTT)-The OGTT is a two-hour test that measures your blood sugar levels before and after you consume a particular sweet beverage. It reveals to the physician how your body metabolizes sugar.
Yes, you can drink water before a GTT test.
For the glucose tolerance test, blood will be taken twice in 30 to 60 minutes after you drink the solution, hence the test might take up to 3 hours.
The glucose test is safe for pregnant women and does not affect the baby but make sure to inform your doctor if you are pregnant.
A glucose tolerance test (GTT) is a blood examination to determine if you experienced excessive blood sugar levels or diabetes throughout pregnancy. If not addressed properly, this might lead to issues for both the mother and the child. Thus, testing is essential to ensure diagnosis.
The average cost of GTT is between Rs. 300 to Rs. 800, which can vary from place to place.
