HealthCentral.com

Glucose tolerance test



Urine sample
Urine sample
Fasting glucose tolerance test
Fasting glucose tolerance test
Oral glucose tolerance test
Oral glucose tolerance test


Glucose tolerance test

Alternative Names:

Oral glucose tolerance test
What the risks are:

The risks of drawing blood from a vein include:

  • Excessive bleeding
  • Fainting or feeling lightheaded
  • Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)
  • Infection (a slight risk any time the skin is broken)
  • Multiple punctures to locate veins


Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other. Obtaining a blood sample from some people may be more difficult than from others.


Special considerations:

Interfering factors:

  • Acute stress (for example, from surgery or an infection)
  • Vigorous exercise

Several drugs may cause glucose intolerance, including the following:

  • Thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide)
  • Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol)
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)
  • Some psychiatric medications

Before having the test, let your health care provider know if you are taking any of these medications.




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