Glucose Tolerance Test

Overview

The glucose tolerance test (GTT) assesses how well the body processes sugar and is used to diagnose diabetes and Prediabetes.

It includes:

• Fasting overnight (for minimum 8 hours)
• Drinking a sugary solution
• Having blood sugar levels checked at intervals

The entire procedure may take up to 3 hours.

A high blood sugar level after drinking the sugary solution indicates poor glucose metabolism. The test helps identify insulin resistance (when cells become resistant to insulin and fail to respond) and beta-cell (cells that make insulin) dysfunction.

It is especially used in diagnosing gestational diabetes in pregnant women. Understanding GTT results helps manage and prevent diabetes through lifestyle changes, medications, or other interventions.