The glucose tolerance curve is a medical test that aims to determine if our body shows signs of insulin resistance, which could indicate that shortly, and if we do not take the necessary measures, we could suffer from diabetes. This test is usually applied to patients suspected of having insulin resistance or who may have diabetes, those with risk factors for this condition, or pregnant women to rule out gestational diabetes. At FastlyHealwe, explain in detail what the glucose curve and the reference values consist of.
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What is the glucose tolerance curve test?
The glucose tolerance test consists of a complete analysis that allows us to measure both our basal glucose, that is, the one found in our body without eating food, and the glucose levels that occur in our body after ingesting large amounts of sugar in a period of up to 3 hours.
To begin, you must go entirely on an empty stomach, without having ingested any food or drink and without having exercised, smoked, or consumed any medicine for at least 8 hours. On an empty stomach, they will perform a blood glucose test to measure basal glucose levels; then, you must ingest a lovely liquid that contains 75 grams of glucose, and then blood samples will be taken every 30 or 60 minutes to measure your glucose levels.
The values of the tolerance curve will indicate if you are healthy, if you have insulin resistance or if you have diabetes.
Glucose curve: reference values
The reference values for the glucose curve when 75 grams of solution is administered are:
- Fasting: 60 to 100 mg / dL
- 30 minutes later: less than 200 mg / dL
- 1 hour later: less than 200 mg / dL
- 2 hours later: less than 140 mg / dL
- 3 hours later: less than 120 mg / dL
Abnormal values on the glucose curve
The above data serves as a reference for average glucose tolerance values in a healthy person. The following values determine that glucose tolerance is abnormal and that, therefore there is a condition to address:
Insulin resistance or prediabetes:
- Fasting: between 100 and 125 mg / dL
- 2 hours later: between 140 and 199 mg / dL
Diabetes:
- Fasting: more than 126 mg / dL
- 2 hours later: more than 200 mg / dL
In which cases is this test performed?
The glucose tolerance curve is a test that is performed when:
- The existence of diabetes is suspected, and an accurate diagnosis is wanted.
- In the case of pregnant women who are between weeks 24 and 28, to determine if they have gestational diabetes.
- When insulin resistance is suspected.
- Patients are at high risk of diabetes due to hereditary factors and obesity.
- To rule out problems of insulin resistance or diabetes.
When should I see a doctor?
If the test results indicate abnormal values, it is necessary to see a doctor as soon as possible for a complete review. Making a profound change in habits, including a balanced and healthy diet and the practice of physical exercise, will be essential to guarantee our well-being.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Glucose curve: reference values, we recommend that you enter our Endocrine System category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.