What is the purpose of this test?
The Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT), 3-Hour, 4 Specimens, is a blood test used to evaluate how your body processes glucose over a longer period, specifically three hours. It is commonly used to diagnose conditions like diabetes, prediabetes, or gestational diabetes in pregnant women. This version of the GTT involves taking four blood samples—one before you drink a glucose solution and three more at regular intervals afterward. By tracking how your blood sugar levels rise and fall over three hours, doctors can see if your body is properly using insulin to regulate glucose.
For this test, you'll need to fast for 8-12 hours beforehand, and your first blood sample will be taken to get a baseline reading. After that, you'll drink a glucose solution, typically containing 100 grams of sugar. Blood samples are then drawn at one, two, and three hours after drinking the solution. If your blood sugar levels stay too high during the test, it may indicate that your body is struggling to process glucose, which could be a sign of diabetes or prediabetes. In pregnant women, abnormal results may suggest gestational diabetes, which requires careful management to protect both the mother and baby. This extended test provides a detailed look at how your body handles sugar over a longer period.
Who should get this test?
The Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) Blood Test, 3-Hour, 4 Specimens, is beneficial to:
- Individuals with Severe Symptoms of Diabetes or Prediabetes: Those with significant symptoms like frequent urination, extreme thirst, or rapid weight loss.
- People with High Risk for Diabetes: Individuals with a family history of diabetes, severe obesity, or metabolic syndrome.
- Pregnant Women with Risk Factors for Gestational Diabetes: Women who have risk factors or abnormal results from initial glucose tests and need a more thorough evaluation.
- Patients with Uncontrolled or Fluctuating Blood Sugar Levels: Those who need an in-depth assessment of their glucose tolerance to manage their diabetes or prediabetes more effectively.
- Individuals with Symptoms of Glucose Intolerance: People who experience unexplained fatigue, dizziness, or other symptoms that may indicate poor glucose management.
- People Undergoing Detailed Diagnostic Evaluations: Individuals undergoing comprehensive health assessments to diagnose or rule out conditions related to glucose metabolism and insulin resistance.
When should I order the Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) Blood Test, 3-Hour, 4 Specimens?
You should consider ordering the Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) Blood Test, 3-Hour, 4 Specimens if you need a comprehensive evaluation of how your body handles glucose over a longer period, particularly if you have symptoms or risk factors for more complex glucose regulation issues. Here’s when to order the test:
- Severe Symptoms of Diabetes or Prediabetes
- High Risk for Diabetes
- Uncontrolled or Fluctuating Blood Sugar Levels
- Gestational Diabetes Risk
- Symptoms of Glucose Intolerance
- Complex Diagnostic Needs
The GTT, 3-Hour, 4 Specimens provides an in-depth analysis of how your body processes glucose over an extended period, which is valuable for diagnosing and managing more complex cases of diabetes and related conditions.
Sample Report
Also Known As:
Glucose Tolerance 3 HR, Non-pregnant,3 HR Glucose Tolerance, Non-pregnant,3 HR GTT (4 Specimens)
Preparation:
Fasting for 10-12 hours required. Three days prior to testing discontinue all nonessential medication that can affect glucose metabolism. Check with physician before stopping any medications. This test requires four blood draws. The first will be taken when you arrive at lab. You will then be given a glucose solution to drink. 3 subsequent collections will be taken at 1 hour intervals. You will be required to remain at the lab until the final collection is taken.
Test Results:
1-2 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
