Glucose Challenge Test

University:
Liberty University
Course:
BIOM 500 | Introduction to Biomedical Sciences
Academic year:

2024
Views:

198

Pages:

5
Author:

Sheha A.

Glucose Challenge Test (GCT): Measures the level of glucose in the blood one hour after the administration of 50g of glucose in 300 ml of water. This test helps to determine whether the body is able to utilize or store glucose. This test is usually performed during pregnancy at any time. It is also necessary to repeat this test at 24-28 weeks to detect gestational diabetes. Result: Normal range: 130-140 mg/dl Gestational diabetes is > 140 mg/dl 70-190 mg/dl indicates that the body is unable to utilize or store blood sugar. GCT is a screening test for gestational diabetes. Continuous rise in glucose level indicates the possibilities of gestational diabetes. Further gestational diabetes is diagnosed by 2 hrs or 3 hrs glucose tolerance test. Intravenous Glucose Tolerance Test (IVGTT): It is used for very accurate assessment of the first phase of insulin release. Abnormal IVGTT result occurs prior to diabetes onset. Procedure: Glucose is intravenously injected and blood glucose level is measured within the first 5 min. Advantages: Glucose sample does not have to pass through the digestive system. This allows greater sensitivity in the assay. Limitations: Use of an intravenous line which can be difficult to insert and maintain throughout the procedure. This assay also risks hyperglycemia and furthers beta cell damage. HbA1c: It is the best point of measure the amount of blood glucose attached to hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the part of RBC that carries oxygen to the rest of the body. Glucose is attached to hemoglobin. It is a reliable 2-3 month average because Hb is a life span of RBC. If HbA1c levels are found high, it may be a sign of diabetes. Other names for HbA1c: Glycated hemoglobin, glycohemoglobin, glycated hemoglobin Interpretation: HbA1c result are expressed in percentage. Typical results are given as: Normal: 4-5.7% Pre-diabetic: 5.7-6.4% Diabetics: 6.5% or more