Final answer:
The GTT is a diagnostic test used to assess glucose metabolism, especially relevant in GDM management, involving fasting glucose measurements and subsequent oral glucose administration. Target values are specific blood glucose levels that indicate proper glucose tolerance, providing guides for conservative GDM control.
Step-by-step explanation:
Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)
The Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) is a key diagnostic tool for assessing glucose metabolism and is particularly important in managing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) conservatively. The test generally involves a fasting blood glucose measurement after 12-14 hours without food, followed by an oral glucose challenge of typically 50-60 grams dissolved in water. The patient's blood glucose levels are then monitored at regular intervals to assess their glucose tolerance. Target values for GTT to effectively control GDM would typically involve blood glucose levels that do not indicate diabetes mellitus. If diabetic indicators are observed, further testing such as the Insulin Tolerance Test (ITT) or the Glucagon Tolerance Test (GuTT) may be required to differentiate between types of diabetes.
It's important to note that target values for controlling GDM conservatively can vary, but healthcare providers often use specific thresholds to identify satisfactory glucose control. Patients should follow a carbohydrate-rich diet of over 150 grams per day for three days before undergoing a GTT. Medical professionals use these test results to plot a graph and establish the patient's glucose tolerance levels.