| CLINICAL BIOCHEMISTRY DEPARTMENT |
|
Your doctor has asked you to have a glucose tolerance test. This information sheet tells
you what the test is and how you need to prepare for the test.What is a glucose tolerance test?
Some people's bodies are unable to
use glucose (sugar) properly. Usually this is obvious from a single blood
test for glucose but occasionally it has to be checked by a follow-up
test. This can be done by drinking glucose and measuring how quickly it
disappears from blood.
What do I need to do to prepare for the test?
- For three days before the test you should eat normally. If your doctor or a dietician has prescribed a special diet you should discuss this with them.
- Only take your usual amount of exercise during the three days before the test.
- You should eat nothing from 10.00 p.m. the night before the test. You may only drink water.
- If you regularly take medicines take these as usual. If any should be taken with food it may be advisable to delay taking them until after the test. If you are unsure about this please contact your doctor.
- Please bring a list of any medicines that you take and give the list to the person who does the test. A few medicines can affect the test.
How long will the test take and what does it involve?
You should plan on being at the hospital about 3 hours from the time
you arrive. At the start of the test a sample of your blood will be
collected from your arm. You will then be asked to drink a flavoured drink
containing glucose. You will then be asked to return within 2 hours so
that the final blood sample can be taken. During the 2 hour wait you must
not smoke or eat or have anything to drink except water. There is a
waiting area in outpatients and it is advisable to bring something to
read. After the second sample is taken you are free to go home. The blood
samples will then be sent to the laboratory for glucose levels to be
measured.
When will I get the result?
The result will be sent to your doctor who will normally receive it
the day after the test. For reasons of confidentiality the Laboratory is
not allowed to give the result to you.
What will it mean to me if the test is abnormal?
Most people have a normal result. If your test shows that your body
does not clear glucose quickly enough you may have Diabetes Mellitus.
Treatment could be a combination of diet and tablets. Rarely, insulin
injections may be required. Your doctor will decide which is the best
treatment for you and will then regularly monitor your progress. Some
people have partly abnormal results, which sometimes progress to diabetes.
Your doctor will suggest how to treat this.
Where and when can I have the test?
This test can be undertaken without an appointment on Tuesday,
Wednesday Thursday and Friday mornings only.
| Basildon Hospital - Pathology Department | 8.00 am onwards | |
| Orsett Hospital | 8.00 am onwards | |
| St. Andrew's Hospital, Billericay | 9.00 am onwards |
If you have any further questions please ring 01268 593030 or ask your Doctor.
Last edited 07/08/08