Description
The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test shows exactly how your body processes sugar over time, making it the definitive check for diabetes and gestational diabetes in pregnancy.
About the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)
In this test, your fasting glucose is measured first, you then drink a standard glucose solution, and further samples are taken over the following one to two hours. This reveals how efficiently your body clears sugar from the blood, detecting impaired glucose tolerance that a single reading can miss. It is particularly important in pregnancy for identifying gestational diabetes.
Preparation and turnaround
An overnight fast of at least eight hours is required, and you should plan to remain at the clinic for one to two hours while the timed samples are taken. Eat normally in the days beforehand. Results are usually available within one working day and are best reviewed with your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the OGTT take?
Plan for one to two hours at the clinic, as several blood samples are collected at set intervals after the glucose drink.
Do I need to fast beforehand?
Yes. An overnight fast of at least eight hours is required, though you should eat normally in the preceding days.
Why is the OGTT used in pregnancy?
It is the standard test for gestational diabetes, a form of high blood sugar that can develop during pregnancy and needs careful management.
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