What is the purpose of this test?
The Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT), 2-Hour (Oral WHO Protocol), is a blood test that measures how well your body processes glucose over a two-hour period after consuming a sugary drink. This specific version of the GTT follows guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO), which ensures a standardized approach to diagnosing conditions like diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes. It’s particularly useful for understanding how your body handles sugar after eating and helps doctors determine if your body is responding properly to insulin, the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels.
In the 2-Hour Oral WHO Protocol, you will first have your blood drawn after fasting for 8-12 hours. Then, you drink a glucose solution containing 75 grams of sugar. Blood is drawn at regular intervals, typically one hour and two hours after drinking the solution, to see how your blood sugar rises and falls. If your glucose levels remain elevated, it may indicate that your body isn’t properly using insulin, which could signal diabetes or prediabetes. For pregnant women, this test is crucial for detecting gestational diabetes, a condition that must be carefully managed to ensure the health of both mother and baby. The 2-hour test provides a clear picture of how your body handles glucose over time, which can guide treatment and lifestyle recommendations.
Who should get this test?
The Glucose Tolerance (GTT) Blood Test, 2-Hour (Oral WHO Protocol), is beneficial to:
- Individuals with Symptoms of Diabetes or Prediabetes: Those showing signs like frequent urination, excessive thirst, or unusual fatigue.
- People with Risk Factors for Diabetes: Individuals with a family history of diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.
- Pregnant Women: Women who need to be tested for gestational diabetes, especially if they have risk factors or symptoms.
- Those with Uncontrolled Blood Sugar Levels: Individuals who need to assess their blood sugar response to better manage their diabetes or prediabetes.
- People Experiencing Symptoms of Insulin Resistance: Those with symptoms like unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing weight despite diet and exercise.
- Individuals Undergoing Comprehensive Health Evaluations: People who are part of a broader health screening or diagnostic process to assess glucose metabolism.
When should I order the Glucose Tolerance (GTT) Blood Test, 2-Hour (Oral WHO Protocol)?
You should consider ordering the Glucose Tolerance (GTT) Blood Test, 2-Hour (Oral WHO Protocol) if you need a detailed assessment of how your body handles glucose over time, particularly if you have symptoms or risk factors for diabetes. Here’s when to order the test:
- Symptoms of Diabetes or Prediabetes
- Risk Factors for Diabetes
- Uncontrolled Blood Sugar Levels
- Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes
- Glucose Intolerance
- Pre-diabetic or High-Risk Individuals
The GTT, 2-Hour (Oral WHO Protocol) provides a thorough assessment of how well your body processes glucose over an extended period, helping to diagnose or manage diabetes and related conditions.
LC Sample ReportQD Sample ReportTest Code(s):
101200, 35181
Also Known As: Fasting, Two-hour Glucose Tolerance Test Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
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 is collected as 2 specimens, fasting and 2 hours after drinking a glucose solution at the lab. Please ensure to schedule at least 2 hours of time for your collection.
Test Results:
1-2 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
