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Glucose 3 hr (4 Samples)
Diabetes
Report in 24Hrs
At Home
Fasting Required
Details
Checks glucose metabolism.
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Glucose 3 hr (4 Samples) - Comprehensive Test Information Guide
- Why is it done?
- The Glucose 3-hour tolerance test measures blood glucose levels at timed intervals (typically fasting, 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours) to assess how your body processes and regulates blood sugar over time
- Primary indication: Screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in pregnant women, typically performed between 24-28 weeks of gestation
- Evaluation of glucose tolerance abnormalities and impaired fasting glucose in non-pregnant individuals
- Assessment of Type 2 diabetes risk or confirmation of diabetes diagnosis in symptomatic patients
- Investigation of reactive hypoglycemia or abnormal glucose metabolism in patients with suggestive symptoms
- Performed after abnormal results on initial screening test (usually 1-hour glucose challenge test in pregnancy)
- Normal Range
- Units of measurement: Milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L)
- For Gestational Diabetes Screening (3-hour test): Normal results typically require at least 2 values to be within normal range (not meeting gestational diabetes criteria)
- Fasting glucose: Less than 95 mg/dL (5.3 mmol/L)
- 1-hour glucose: Less than 180 mg/dL (10.0 mmol/L)
- 2-hour glucose: Less than 155 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L)
- 3-hour glucose: Less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L)
- For General Glucose Tolerance Testing: Fasting: 70-100 mg/dL; 2-hour value below 140 mg/dL is considered normal glucose tolerance
- Interpretation: Normal results indicate appropriate glucose metabolism and absence of diabetes or gestational diabetes; borderline or elevated values suggest impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes
- Interpretation
- Normal Test Results: All four values fall within normal range; indicates normal glucose tolerance and appropriate insulin response; rules out gestational diabetes or Type 2 diabetes
- Gestational Diabetes Diagnosis: Two or more values at or above the threshold levels; pregnancy-related glucose intolerance requiring management and monitoring
- Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT): 2-hour value 140-199 mg/dL; indicates prediabetic state with increased risk for Type 2 diabetes development
- Type 2 Diabetes: 2-hour value ≥200 mg/dL or fasting ≥126 mg/dL; diagnostic of diabetes mellitus requiring treatment initiation
- Reactive Hypoglycemia: Excessive glucose decline at 1-2 hours followed by values below 70 mg/dL; suggests delayed insulin response causing symptomatic hypoglycemia
- Factors Affecting Interpretation:
- Recent illness, stress, or infections can elevate glucose levels
- Physical activity levels and diet composition in days preceding test
- Medications (corticosteroids, thiazide diuretics, beta-blockers) may affect results
- Body weight and obesity status influence glucose metabolism
- Gestational age affects glucose tolerance thresholds in pregnancy
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and other endocrine disorders impact glucose handling
- Associated Organs
- Primary Organ Systems:
- Pancreas: Produces insulin in response to glucose; dysfunction or beta cell failure leads to impaired glucose control
- Liver: Stores and regulates glucose release; affected in liver disease, cirrhosis, or hepatic insufficiency
- Kidneys: Filter glucose; impaired renal function affects glucose clearance and test interpretation
- Endocrine system: Hormones (cortisol, glucagon, thyroid hormones) regulate glucose metabolism
- Associated Conditions and Diseases:
- Gestational diabetes mellitus: Temporary glucose intolerance during pregnancy affecting fetal development and maternal health
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus: Progressive loss of insulin sensitivity and beta cell function
- Impaired glucose tolerance (prediabetes): Intermediate glucose metabolism disorder
- Reactive hypoglycemia: Excessive insulin response causing post-prandial glucose drops
- Cushing's syndrome: Excess cortisol increases glucose production and reduces insulin sensitivity
- Acromegaly: Growth hormone excess impairs glucose tolerance
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): Associated with insulin resistance and impaired glucose tolerance
- Potential Complications from Abnormal Results:
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA): Life-threatening metabolic emergency from severe hyperglycemia
- Hyperosmolar hyperglycemic state: Severe dehydration and hyperglycemia in Type 2 diabetes
- Severe hypoglycemia: Neurological damage or loss of consciousness from excessive glucose depletion
- Long-term diabetic complications: Neuropathy, nephropathy, retinopathy, cardiovascular disease
- Fetal complications in gestational diabetes: Macrosomia, birth trauma, neonatal hypoglycemia, respiratory distress
- Follow-up Tests
- If Gestational Diabetes Confirmed:
- Home blood glucose monitoring: Daily self-monitoring of fasting and post-meal glucose levels
- Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C): Assessment of average glucose control over 3-month period
- Fasting glucose and random glucose: Regular monitoring every 1-2 weeks during pregnancy
- Fetal ultrasound: Assessment of fetal growth, amniotic fluid volume, and biophysical profile
- Postpartum glucose tolerance test: 6-week post-delivery retesting to assess persistent diabetes
- If Type 2 Diabetes or IGT Diagnosed:
- Hemoglobin A1C: Baseline and every 3 months to monitor glycemic control targets
- Lipid panel: Assessment of cholesterol and triglyceride levels for cardiovascular risk
- Comprehensive metabolic panel: Renal function, electrolytes, and liver function assessment
- Urinalysis and microalbumin: Screening for early diabetic nephropathy
- Fasting glucose and C-peptide: Assessment of residual beta cell function
- Retinal screening exam: Ophthalmologic evaluation for diabetic retinopathy
- Monofilament testing: Foot examination for diabetic neuropathy assessment
- If Reactive Hypoglycemia Suspected:
- Insulin levels (simultaneous with glucose): Assessment of insulin response appropriateness
- Extended glucose tolerance test: Prolonged monitoring to 4-5 hours for delayed hypoglycemic responses
- Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM): Real-time glucose trends and symptomatic correlation
- General Monitoring Frequency:
- Gestational diabetes: Weekly to biweekly glucose monitoring and monthly HbA1C through delivery
- Type 2 diabetes newly diagnosed: HbA1C every 3 months until stable, then every 6-12 months; metabolic panel annually
- Prediabetes/IGT: Repeat glucose tolerance testing annually; HbA1C every 6-12 months
- Fasting Required?
- Yes - Fasting is required.
- Duration: 8-10 hours overnight fasting before the initial fasting glucose sample
- Fasting Instructions:
- No food or beverages except water for 8-10 hours preceding the test start
- Typically performed in early morning after overnight fasting
- Drink 75-100 grams of glucose solution after fasting blood draw (or 50-100g per protocol)
- No eating, drinking (except water), or smoking during the 3-hour test period
- Remain sitting or lying down during test period; avoid vigorous exercise
- Medications to Avoid or Discuss:
- Corticosteroids: Can increase glucose levels; discuss with provider about temporary discontinuation
- Thiazide diuretics: May elevate glucose; notify provider before test
- Beta-blockers: Can mask hypoglycemia symptoms; discuss test timing with provider
- Oral contraceptives: May slightly elevate glucose; continue as prescribed
- Caffeine: Avoid for 24-30 hours before test as it may affect glucose levels
- Other Patient Preparation Requirements:
- Maintain normal diet for 3 days prior to test (not low-carbohydrate diet)
- Ensure adequate physical activity and normal sleep patterns before testing
- Avoid stress and illness within 3 days of test if possible
- Reschedule test if patient has acute infection, fever, or recent illness
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing for easy blood draws; bring identification and insurance
- Arrive 10-15 minutes early to allow for check-in and baseline vital signs
- Plan for 3-4 hour time commitment at the testing facility
- Bring entertainment or reading materials for waiting periods between blood draws
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