Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) refers to a diagnostic assessment conducted to evaluate an individual's ability to metabolize glucose effectively. It involves measuring the body's response to a standardized intake of glucose over a specified period of time. This test provides valuable insight into a person's ability to regulate blood sugar levels and aids in diagnosing various conditions such as diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, gestational diabetes, and hypoglycemia.
During a GTT, the individual typically consumes a glucose-rich beverage, often containing 75 grams of glucose, after an overnight fast. Blood samples are then collected at specific intervals, typically at baseline, and one or more hourly intervals thereafter, to monitor changes in blood glucose levels. These samples are analyzed to assess how the body responds to the glucose load, measuring factors such as fasting blood sugar, peak blood sugar level, and the rate at which blood sugar returns to normal levels.
The results of a GTT can reveal abnormalities in glucose metabolism, providing valuable diagnostic information. Normal responses display a moderate increase in blood glucose following glucose intake, followed by a controlled decrease as the body produces sufficient insulin to restore stability. However, abnormal results may indicate impaired glucose tolerance, where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar, or diabetes, where blood sugar levels remain consistently elevated.
Glucose Tolerance Tests are conducted under medical supervision and are highly informative in diagnosing and monitoring conditions related to glucose metabolism, enabling appropriate medical interventions and treatment plans for individuals with impaired glucose control.
