Glucose tolerance test

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Definition Why it's done How you prepare

What you can expect Results

Definition

The glucose tolerance test, also known as the oral glucose tolerance test, measures your body's response to sugar (glucose). The glucose tolerance test can be used to screen for type 2 diabetes. More commonly, a modified version of the glucose tolerance test is used to diagnose gestational diabetes — a type of diabetes that develops only during pregnancy.

The glucose tolerance test is done in several steps. First your fasting blood sugar level is measured, and then you drink a sugary solution. This is followed by one or more blood tests over the course of two to three hours.

NEXT:

Why it's done

RELATED

• Gestational diabetes
• Glucose challenge test