What to pay attention to before glucose tolerance test

Before the glucose tolerance test, it is necessary to pay attention to fasting, water restriction, adjusting diet, discontinuing drugs that may affect the results, maintaining normal activities, and avoiding stress states. Glucose tolerance test is an important method to diagnose gestational diabetes or abnormal glucose tolerance. In order to ensure the accuracy of the results, the preparation before the test is very critical.

1. Fasting and water restriction:

Before the examination, it is necessary to fast for at least 8-14 hours, during which no food or beverage, including plain water, should be consumed. Because eating or drinking can stimulate insulin secretion, causing fluctuations in blood sugar levels, directly affecting the measurement results of fasting and postprandial blood sugar. It is recommended to stop eating after dinner the day before and check to maintain an empty stomach in the morning. If you feel dry mouth, you can rinse your mouth with a small amount of water, but do not swallow.

2. Adjust diet:

Maintain a normal diet for the first three days before the examination, with a daily carbohydrate intake of no less than 150 grams, which means eating enough staple food every day. Do not deliberately reduce the intake of staple foods or sweets just to show good results, as this can lead to false negative results and mask the true state of sugar metabolism. At the same time, it is also important to avoid overeating or consuming high sugar foods such as cakes and sugary drinks in large quantities to prevent blood sugar fluctuations. Maintaining regular dietary habits can truly reflect the body's ability to process sugar.

3. discontinuation of drugs that may affect results:

Some drugs can affect blood sugar levels, and doctors should be consulted before examination to determine if temporary discontinuation is necessary. Common medications that may affect blood sugar include glucocorticoids such as prednisone acetate tablets, diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide tablets, and some contraceptive pills. In addition, people who are currently using hypoglycemic drugs such as metformin tablets also need to follow medical advice to suspend medication before examination. Stopping medication on your own may carry risks, so it is essential to do so under the guidance of a doctor.

4. Maintain normal activities:

Avoid vigorous exercise such as running, swimming, heavy physical labor, etc. on the day before and on the day of the examination. Intense exercise can cause the body to consume a large amount of glucose, which may lead to low blood sugar levels and affect the accuracy of test results. But there is no need to stay in bed, you can engage in daily light physical activities such as walking and doing housework. Excessive rest may also lead to temporary changes in insulin sensitivity, which is also detrimental to outcome judgment.

5. Avoid stress state:

Before the examination, ensure sufficient sleep and avoid staying up late, emotional excitement, or mental tension. Lack of sleep and stress can lead to increased secretion of glucocorticoids such as cortisol in the body, resulting in elevated blood sugar and false positive results. On the day of the examination, one should maintain a calm mood and arrive at the hospital early. Rest quietly for 15-30 minutes before starting to draw blood. If symptoms of low blood sugar such as nausea, dizziness, and sweating occur during the examination, medical staff should be informed immediately. After the SEP examination is completed, you can eat immediately. It is recommended to eat some easily digestible foods such as bread and cookies first, and avoid eating a large amount of greasy food immediately. The entire examination process takes about 2-3 hours, during which food cannot be eaten, but walking can be done appropriately, without sitting or lying down for a long time. If the test results are abnormal, you should bring the report and consult an endocrinologist or obstetrician in a timely manner. The doctor will develop the next dietary guidance or treatment plan based on the specific situation. To prevent abnormal sugar metabolism in daily life, one should maintain a balanced diet, control the intake of sweets and refined carbohydrates, and engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking, swimming, etc.