Blood Test : Glucose Tolerance Test

Glucose is an essential energy source for all body tissues. Foods that we eat are eventually metabolized into glucose, a substance that can be more readily utilized by the body. The glucose tolerance test analyzes the way in which the body regulates blood glucose. This is one of the classic tests for diabetes but may also be used to diagnose hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and other glandular disorders.

The first part of the test requires a blood sample to be taken from a vein after a 12 hour fast. Following the blood sample, the patient consumes a sugared cola. Over the following 3 hours, blood samples are taken and the glucose level is measured. From this information, the physician may ascertain how the body responds to a large glucose meal. A determination can be made to see if the body produces an adequate amount of insulin.

Insulin is an important hormone produced by the pancreas, which allows cells to absorb glucose for energy. The diagnosis of diabetes is considered in those patients who are unable to properly regulate their blood glucose after a glucose rich meal.

MEDICAL TESTS

Abdominal Ultrasound
Abdominal X-Ray
Allergy Testing
Amniocentesis
Amylase Blood Test
Angiodynography
Angiogram
Arterial Blood Gases
Arthrocentesis
Arthrogram
Barium Enema
Blood Chemistry
Blood Coagulation Test
Blood Cultures
Blood Glucose Test
Blood Test Smac 25
Bone Marrow Biopsy Aspiration
Cardiac Catheterization Angioplasty
Cardiac Enzymes
Cholesterol Blood Test
Complete Blood Count
CT Scanning Back
CT Scanning Chest Abdomen
Drug Levels
Glucose Tolerance Test
Hepatitis Blood Test
HIV Blood Test
Kidney Biopsy
Kidney Blood Test
Lipoproteins
Liver Biopsy
Liver Blood Test
Lymph Node Biopsy
Mononucleosis Test
Paracentesis
Peritoneal Lavage
Pregnancy Blood Test
Prostate Specific Antigen
Skin Biopsy
Spine X-Rays
Thyroid Biopsy
Thyroid Blood Test
Toxicology