Blood glucose tests are also sometimes called blood sugar tests. They can be done after you have fasted or as a test called an oral glucose tolerance test. They are usually used to check for or monitor diabetes. Show
What is being tested?This test measures the amount of glucose in your blood. Glucose is a simple sugar that provides energy for the body. People with diabetes often monitor their own blood glucose at home. This is done using a finger-prick test and a special machine, rather than a blood sample taken from a vein. You might have blood taken for a blood sugar level. You might or might not be asked to fast beforehand. There is also a test called an oral glucose tolerance test, abbreviated as OGTT or GTT. For this test you fast, then have a blood sample taken, then drink glucose, then have a number of samples taken over a few hours. Why would I need this test?You might need this test if you are at risk of developing diabetes, or if you have had any symptoms or test results suggesting diabetes. The standard blood glucose tests measure your blood sugar level at a particular time. The OGTT measures how you respond to glucose. Pregnant women can develop a particular type of diabetes called gestational diabetes, and will be asked to have an OGTT around 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes usually goes away after the baby is born. ARE YOU AT RISK? — Are you at risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease or kidney disease? Use our Risk Checker to find out. How to prepare for this testIf you’re asked to fast, you can’t eat anything for 8 to 10 hours before the test. You should drink only water. If you are having an OGTT, you will need to adjust your diet for a few days before the test and fast for 8 hours just before the test. Understanding your resultsHigh levels of glucose can indicate diabetes or being at risk of diabetes. There are other conditions that can also cause high glucose levels. You will need to discuss with your doctor what the test results mean for you, given your specific circumstances. More informationAbout blood glucose testingVisit PathologyTests Explained website for more information about blood glucose testing. About blood testingVisit our ‘Guide to blood testing’ to learn more about blood tests in general with information such as: The glucose tolerance test, also known as the oral glucose tolerance test, measures your body's response to sugar (glucose). The glucose tolerance test can be used to screen for type 2 diabetes. More commonly, a modified version of the glucose tolerance test is used to diagnose gestational diabetes — a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy. Products & Services
Why it's doneThe glucose tolerance test identifies abnormalities in the way your body handles glucose after a meal — often before your fasting blood glucose level becomes abnormal. More Information
RisksThe risks associated with obtaining a blood sample are slight. After your blood is drawn, you may experience bruising or bleeding. You may also feel dizzy or lightheaded. In some cases, infection after your procedure is possible. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. Email ErrorEmail field is required ErrorInclude a valid email address To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. |