The glucose curve is used to diagnose diabetes, pre-diabetes as well as to diagnose gestational diabetes. The glucose curve is also used in laboratory testing of glaucoma.
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The glucose or sugar curve or otherwise the Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) measures the body's ability to use glucose, the carbohydrate which is the body's main source of energy. The sugar curve can detect abnormalities in the way the body handles glucose after a meal, often before fasting blood glucose is measured.
Controlling the sugar curve can put the diagnosis of disorders in the blood glucose regulation. It is used in patients with fasting and postprandial glucose limit values to set or exclude the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. It can also be used to control unexplained hypertriglyceridemia, neuropathy, impotence, kidney disease, retinopathy and other pathological conditions that may be due to undiagnosed diabetes mellitus.
The glucose curve is used to control glycosuria without hyperglycaemia (eg kidney glucosuria), as well as to diagnose gestational diabetes. The risks of fetal abnormalities and perinatal mortality are increased when abnormal carbohydrate metabolism is present during pregnancy.
Disorders in the glucose curve may be due to obesity in some individuals, while abnormal curves may also be due to Cushing's syndrome, pheochromocytoma or acromegaly. Excessive production of growth hormone, adrenal and thyroid hormones as well as catecholamines can cause disturbances in the glucose curve.
There are several laboratory protocols to perform the sugar curve:
- 2 hour glucose curve. Administration of 75 g of anhydrous glucose, measured at 0 'and 120' time.-WHO (World Health Organization) Protocol. It is mainly used for the diagnosis of diabetes mellitus
- 1-hour glucose curve. Administration of 50 g of anhydrous glucose, measured at 0 'and 60' time. Protocol ACOG Screen (American College of Obstetricians-Gynecologists). It is used as an initial screening for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes
- 3-hour glucose curve. Administration of 100 g of anhydrous glucose, measured at time 0 ', 60', 120 'and 180'. Protocol ACOG (American College of Obstetricians-Gynecologists). It is used as a diagnostic test for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes
- 2-hour glucose curve. Administration of 75 g of anhydrous glucose, measured at 0 ', 60' and 120 'time. ADA Protocol (American Diabetic Association). It is used as an initial and diagnostic test for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
