Year after year, more and more people are diagnosed with diabetes. Unhealthy lifestyles, coexisting illnesses – all of this exposes us to increased blood sugar levels. The glucose tolerance test allows diagnosing how the pancreas functions and whether the patient has diabetes or a pre-diabetic state. Here’s how to perform it correctly:
Glucose Tolerance Test – How to Perform It?
For the test to be reliable, you need to remember a few basic principles that will ensure an accurate result:
- Take the test after a good night’s sleep – waking up from sleep triggers hormone production.
- Perform the test preferably between 7-8 in the morning, approximately 14 hours after the last meal. After 9 AM, glucose levels gradually rise.
- Get the test done while being healthy – any infection can distort the result.
How to Conduct the Test?
Dissolve glucose in 250 – 300 ml of water and drink it in 5 minutes. Do not drink it quickly. Our body, especially the pancreas, will undergo a shock. Do not add anything to the glucose as it may disrupt the sugar curve. After the test, rest and have something to eat to prevent sudden drops. Every movement means additional glucose burning. If you feel unwell and need to stop the test, even if the specified time hasn’t passed, take additional blood samples to measure glucose and possibly insulin, and conclude the test. Consider all results, as this will aid in interpreting carbohydrate metabolism disorders. Consequently, this is important from the perspective of further therapy.
Diet for Diabetes!
Remember, diabetes is a serious condition, but it can be managed. The most important aspect is to follow the doctor’s recommendations, take medications, and take care of your diet. Limiting fast food, alcohol, and sweets is crucial. Having diabetes means being under the constant care of a dietitian.