Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

Glucose Challenge Test, Glucose Tolerance Test, OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test)

Why It Is Done

The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is done to:

  • Check pregnant women for gestational diabetes. When done for this purpose, the test is called a glucose challenge screening test, and it is usually done during the 24th to the 28th week of pregnancy. You have an increased chance of developing gestational diabetes if you:
    • Have had gestational diabetes during a previous pregnancy.
    • Have previously given birth to a baby who weighed more than 4 kg (8.8 lb).
    • Are younger than age 25 and were overweight before getting pregnant.
  • Confirm the presence of gestational diabetes if other blood glucose measurements are high.
  • Screen women who have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) for diabetes.
  • Diagnose prediabetes and diabetes.

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Author: Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MSLast Updated: September 14, 2007
Medical Review: Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine
Alan C. Dalkin, MD - Endocrinology
Andrew Swan, MD, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine

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Topic Contents
 Test Overview
Arrow PointerWhy It Is Done
 How To Prepare
 How It Is Done
 How It Feels
 Risks
 Results
 What Affects the Test
 What To Think About
 References
 Credits