Article Sections
Introduction
Introduction
Blood sugar tests measure how well your body processes sugar (glucose). Some blood sugar tests are used to diagnose prediabetes or diabetes. Others determine how well you're managing your diabetes.
Click on the tabs to the left to learn more about various blood sugar tests and what the results mean.
Oral glucose tolerance test
Oral glucose tolerance test
What is an oral glucose tolerance test?
An oral glucose tolerance test measures your body's response to sugar. First your fasting blood sugar level is measured. Then you drink a sugary solution. Your blood sugar level is measured after one hour and again after two hours. If your blood sugar level rises more than normal, you may have diabetes.
For this test to be accurate, it's important to eat normally and be in good health. Even a cold can affect the results. So can inactivity or certain medications. A modified version of the oral glucose tolerance test, known as a glucose challenge test, is often used to screen pregnant women for gestational diabetes.
What's normal?
A normal blood sugar level after an oral glucose tolerance test is lower than 140 mg/dL.
What level suggests prediabetes?
If your blood sugar level is 140 mg/dL to 199 mg/dL after an oral glucose tolerance test, you may have prediabetes.
What level suggests type 1 or type 2 diabetes?
A blood sugar level of 200 mg/dL or higher two hours after you drink the sugary solution may indicate diabetes. Your doctor may repeat this or other tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Last Updated: 08/23/2007
