Oral Glucose Tolerance Test: How To Prepare

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How To Prepare

Glucose challenge screening test for gestational diabetes

No preparation is usually needed for the screening test done during pregnancy. This test can be done at any time of the day, so, you do not need to limit food or fluids before the test.

Glucose tolerance diagnostic test

To prepare for the glucose tolerance diagnostic test:

• Eat a balanced diet that contains at least 150 to 200 grams (g) of carbohydrate per day for 3 days before the test. Fruits, breads, cereals, grains, rice, crackers, and starchy vegetables such as potatoes, beans, and corn are good sources of carbohydrate.
• Do not eat, drink, smoke, or exercise strenuously for at least 8 hours before your first blood sample is taken.
• Tell your health professional about all prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking. You may be instructed to stop taking certain medicines before the test.

The glucose tolerance diagnostic test may take up to 4 hours. Since activity can interfere with test results, you will be asked to sit quietly during the entire test. Do not eat during the test. You may drink only water during this time.

Talk to your health professional about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, or how it will be done. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form (What is a PDF document?) .

Last updated:	July 25, 2007
Author:	Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, Alan C. Dalkin, MD - Endocrinology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer