What Is The Glucose Tolerance Test? – Being Parents

Diabetes is a disease known and feared by many. Its main feature is the persistently high concentration of glucose in the blood. This can be due to poor insulin production, increased glucose production, insulin resistance, or a combination of several factors.

It is a chronic, degenerative disease that is neither contagious nor curable. However, it can be controlled. People who have diabetes can live with the disease for a very long time. Statistics indicate that around 15% of the world’s population has diabetes.

Complications related to diabetes

This disease  is associated with another series of complications in various systems. For example, vision loss may occur or the kidneys may also gradually deteriorate.

Besides, in severe cases there is the possibility of losing some of the lower limbs due to circulation problems. Certain coronary heart and brain conditions can also occur.

The glucose tolerance test

The glucose tolerance test is a test that is done to determine the presence of type 2 diabetes.  This assessment was developed because this type of diabetes is often asymptomatic. In other words, it doesn’t manifest any symptoms in the person who suffers from it.

Therefore,  through this test one can measure the body’s ability to metabolize glucose. Indeed, in the case of type 2 diabetes, this capacity is reduced. It is also modified in individuals who present alterations in the metabolism relating to the assimilation of carbohydrates.

What is the glucose tolerance test?

The first thing to do is a fasting blood sugar test. The person should perform the test without having ingested food in the previous 8 to 12 hours.

A blood sample is taken to perform the analysis of the concentration of glucose in the blood -glycemia-. Depending on the results,  a dose of glucose is administered orally, dissolved in 250 milliliters of water. This measurement may vary depending on the person’s body weight.

The rule of thumb is to give 1.75 grams of glucose for every pound,  up to a maximum of 75 grams. Therefore, if the test is performed on a child, the amount of glucose will be less.

After applying glucose, blood samples should be taken every 30 minutes for the next 2 hours. With the results obtained, a graph can be produced which generates a curve.

Normal values ​​of the glucose tolerance test

The values ​​expressed in blood glucose and glucose tolerance tests are very important in determining whether or not diabetes is present. As well as the type of diabetes.

If the glucose content of the blood glucose test is 60 to 100 mg / dl, the values ​​are considered normal. In the meantime, values ​​below 200 mg / dl after one hour and below 144 mg / dl after two hours are also considered in the standard.

Abnormal values ​​in the glucose tolerance test

If the fasting test blood sugar reads between 100 and 125 mg / dl, this is a sign of pre-diabetes. This is confirmed with a blood glucose concentration of 140 to 199 mg / dl within two hours of ingestion of the glucose solution.

“The values ​​expressed in blood glucose and glucose tolerance analyzes are very important in determining the presence or absence of diabetes, as well as the type of diabetes”

Values ​​that indicate type 2 diabetes

A glucose content greater than 125 mg / dl in the blood glucose test is sufficient to contraindicate the glucose tolerance test.

This is because  it could cause hyperglycaemic shock,  which would put the person’s life in danger. On the other hand, a result greater than 200 mg / dl two hours after taking glucose indicates type 2 diabetes.

This is one of the most common tests used to determine the presence of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In any case,  if the test gives an unfavorable result, the person will need to make a lifestyle change. The doctor will advise on how to follow the diet and what other actions to take, just in case.