1. Introduction

A glucose tolerance test has been requested by you doctor which involves assessing how your body deals with an intake of glucose. The purpose of the test is to see if you have sugar diabetes. The procedure involves taking a blood sample from your arm when you arrive for your appointment, which is taken to the laboratory where the blood sugar level is measured. Some patients may not require the second part of the test and will be sent home. Most patients will be asked to drink a sugary liquid. The drink contains (75g) 2 1/2 ounces of sugar flavoured with lemon or orange, dissolved in water. You should drink this all within five minutes and you will then be asked to sit quietly for two hours. You must not smoke during this test. After the two hours you will have a second blood test in which the blood sugar level will be measured again. Once this second blood test has been performed you may go home.

2. What are the benefits of me having the procedure?

Your doctor has referred you for a glucose tolerance test as you may have symptoms of diabetes mellitus. The results of the glucose tolerance test will help us to diagnose or rule out diabetes mellitus.

3. What are the risks, consequences and alternatives associated with having the procedure?

A few patients may suffer headaches after drinking the lemon or orange flavoured drink, some people may feel sick or actually be sick. You should contact the diabetes centre on 0121 424 0234 to let them know if you are one of the few patients which have a reaction to these flavourings to enable a different sugar drink to be provided for you. If you are concerned about any of these risks, or have any further queries, please speak to your Doctor. The procedure will only be carried out with your consent.

4. Will I be asked to a pre-admission appointment ? what will happen?

The procedure is carried out as an out-patient procedure and does not require admission to hospital, therefore, no pre-admission appointment is required.

5. Getting ready for the procedure

After 11.00pm on the night before the test you must not eat, and you should drink only water or tea/coffee without sugar or milk. Fruit juices/cordials usually contain some sugar, and should not be drunk either. Drink enough fluid to avoid feeling thirsty. Do not eat breakfast on the day of the test. You should expect to be in the clinic for approximately 3 hours. Smoking is not allowed. We suggest you bring something to read to pass the time.

For some procedures some patients will be required to sign a consent form, but for this test this is not necessary. By drinking the sugary drink and allowing us to obtain a blood sample from you, you are giving your consent. You will have the opportunity to discuss the procedure with the health professional responsible for carrying out the test at the time of your appointment.

6. What should I expect after the procedure?

There should be no pain following the test. The sugary drink makes some people feel a little sick but this should pass within an hour or so. You can eat and drink normally when you leave the hospital but must not eat between the 1st and 2nd blood sample been taken. You should expect to return to what you would normally be doing on that day when you leave the clinic.

7. What happens when I leave the hospital?

You will not need any further time off from work/school and should be able to return to what you would normally be doing on that day. The results of the test will be sent to your doctor and he will let you know whether you need any follow up appointments.

8. Further Information

If you cannot attend, or do not understand what you have to do, please telephone Diabetes Centre between 9.00 am - 4.00pm, Monday to Friday on 0121 424 0234.