Glucose Tolerance Test
A glucose tolerance test is a laboratory examination that assesses how the body absorbs glucose and how effectively the pancreas responds to carbohydrate load. The test is the "gold standard" for detecting carbohydrate metabolism disorders.
The examination is performed on an empty stomach and involves measuring blood glucose levels before and 2 hours after ingesting a standard glucose solution.
Why is the examination performed ?
The glucose tolerance test is used for:
- early detection of impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes);
- diagnosis of diabetes mellitus;
- assessment of pancreatic β-cell function;
- control of carbohydrate metabolism in patients with: obesity, insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); screening for a family history of diabetes mellitus;
- evaluating the effectiveness of ongoing therapy.