Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) is a critical diagnostic tool in the field of endocrinology, particularly for assessing disorders related to carbohydrate metabolism. Its primary use is in the diagnosis and management of diabetes mellitus, including Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes. The OGTT is also employed to evaluate conditions like impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and impaired fasting glucose (IFG), which are considered as pre-diabetic states.

The test involves measuring blood glucose levels before and after the oral administration of a glucose-rich drink, typically containing 75 grams of glucose. The standard procedure begins with the patient fasting overnight, followed by the glucose intake, and then subsequent blood glucose measurements at designated intervals, usually at 2 hours post-consumption. These readings provide insight into how effectively the body processes glucose

Purpose of the Test:
To determine the ability of the body to use and store glucose. It is primarily used to diagnose conditions such as:

• Pre-diabetes
• Gestational diabetes in pregnant women
• Insulin resistance
• Diabetes mellitus
• Impaired pancreatic beta cell function
• Reactive hypoglycemia (less commonly)
• Acromegaly (rarely)
• Other rarer disorders of carbohydrate metabolism

Procedure:

1. Fasting overnight.
2. Oral administration of a standard glucose dose.
3. Measurement of plasma glucose concentration at fasting and...