Question

What are the steps involved in doing a Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)?

Answer 1

The Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) involves a high-carbohydrate diet for three days, fasting blood glucose measurement, ingestion of a glucose solution, and regular monitoring of blood glucose levels to assess individual glucose metabolism.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) is a diagnostic procedure done to assess an individual's ability to metabolize glucose and is commonly used in diagnosing diabetes mellitus. Here is the step-by-step process to conduct a GTT:

1. Preparation: The patient is placed on a high-carbohydrate diet, usually more than 150 grams a day, for three days before the test, to ensure a normal glucose metabolism level.
2. Fasting Blood Glucose Measurement: After 12-14 hours of fasting, the patient's fasting blood glucose level is recorded.
3. Glucose Ingestion: The patient consumes an oral dose of glucose, typically 50-60 grams dissolved in 300 ml of water. The dose may vary based on body weight, with 0.75 grams per kg for Indian adults, and 1.0 gram per kg for individuals in developed countries.
4. Monitoring: Blood glucose levels are then measured at intervals, usually every half hour, for up to several hours, to track how the body handles the extra glucose.
5. Analysis: The results are plotted on a graph, where the curve illustrates the patient's glucose tolerance. If the blood glucose levels rise higher than average and take longer to return to normal, it may indicate diabetes mellitus.
6. Follow-Up Testing: If GTT is positive, indicating diabetes, further tests like the Insulin Tolerance Test (ITT) and Glucagon Tolerance Test (GuTT) may be performed to determine the type of diabetes.

Remember to adhere to safety measures by wearing goggles, especially when handling chemicals like Benedict's solution, and when exposed to heat or open flame in the laboratory.