Glucose Tolerance Tests
Glucose is a type of sugar that the body uses for energy. An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is a test that analyzes our body’s ability to turn the sugar into energy and can be used to diagnose diabetes.
1 Hour Test
You will receive drink and lab orders at your routine OB visit.
- 1 ½ hours after eating, drink the entire 50 gram glucola drink.
- Be at the lab 30 minutes after finishing the glucola. This way you are at the hospital on time for your blood work, which will occur 1 hour after drinking the glucola.
- Make sure to tell the receptionist at the front desk what time you finished drinking the glucola.
3 Hour Test
You may need to have the 3 hour glucose test if your 1 hour test was abnormally high or if your doctor would like additional testing.
Upon arrival at the hospital, your blood will be checked for a fasting glucose level. Then you will be asked to quickly drink a liquid containing glucose. Your blood will be drawn at 1, 2, and 3 hours.
- Do not eat, drink, smoke, or exercise strenuously for 12 hours before the first blood sample.
- Remember to tell your doctor about all prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, as your doctor may advice that you stop taking some before the test.
- This test may take up to 4 hours. You will be asked to sit quietly during the test to avoid any kind of activity interfering with the results.
- Do not eat during the test. You may only drink water.