Diabetic Seniors

The Diabetic’s life can, at times seem like one test after the other—some taking a few seconds, some a few hours and others covering a 3 month’s span of activity. The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test is one of the tests that take about 1 work day. While not always performed, due to its cost (sometimes not covered by insurance) and time consumption, it is one of the most effective ways to get an up close look at how your bodies systems, blood glucose levels, etc. are functioning. An oral glucose tolerance test can help in the treatment of chronic heart disease as well as the prevention of full blown type 2 Diabetes.

Before having an oral glucose tolerance test, you will be asked to fast for 12 hours, however, you can drink as much water as you would like. Be sure to mention any prescriptions/vitamins or supplements you are taking ahead of time, as some of these can affect the outcome of the test. At the beginning of the test, a urine sample as well as a blood sample will be taken so a baseline can be established for your blood glucose level and insulin. Next, you will be given a measured amount of a sugary drink that will allow your doctor to check your body’s response during the next 5 hours.

What the Results of an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test Mean

• After fasting: Normal glucose results are 70-90; 111 or over is impaired; 126 of higher mean Diabetes. Insulin above 10 shows insulin resistance.

• At ½ hour: A normal glucose response will be lower than 150; insulin >80 shows insulin resistance.

• At 2 hours: A standard glucose reading is 110 or less; insulin >60 is insulin resistance

Since a standard fasting blood test does not show the complete picture, it is possible to have pre-Diabetes, but be totally unaware of the problem. This unawareness, can lead to other health problems (heart disease, hypertension, etc.) and ultimately a Type 2 Diabetes diagnosis that may have been prevent with advanced warning that lead to a healthier lifestyle changes.

An oral glucose tolerance test is also helpful in showing slight changes in the body if your blood glucose levels have begun to creep upward. Even a minor raise can be a cause for action—especially if you are experiencing weight gain or have family history of Diabetes. Since blood glucose levels generally don’t go from being perfectly normal to off the charts in a short amount of time, the oral glucose tolerance test is a good tool to establish where your body’s levels are and get and idea of what changes (if any) you need to make to prevent further health problems or complications.

So, talk to your doctor and insurance provider about the availability of an oral glucose tolerance test. Even, if you have to pay for all or part of it out of pocket, being able to know what to change and starting along that path can make an impressive difference in your quality of life. Because, as GI Joe used to say, “Now you know, and knowing is half the battle!”

Tags: Diabetes Management, diabetes testing, monitoring diabetes, oral glucose tolerance test