Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

An Oral Glucose Tolerance Test is a test done in the healthcare provider’s office to measure how the body manages glucose over time.  Though most often used to check for gestational diabetes, it can also be used to test for diabetes/pre-diabetes in people who are not pregnant.  After taking a fasting glucose reading, a sugary drink is consumed and blood sugar is checked again, usually at the one and two hour mark.  These results show how well the body handles glucose – elevated blood sugar in either check can indicate diabetes.

(Content reviewed by MGH Diabetes Center)