Glucose Tolerance Test

Glucose Tolerance Test
Department of Clinical Biochemistry
Patient Information Leaflet

Your appointment for the glucose tolerance test is at
Full name and address:

Date of Birth:
Unit Number:
NHS Number:
Doctor:
Surgery/Source:
________ am on __________________ at the
Therapy glucose tolerance test area, Therapy Department, opposite Ward A2, Ground Floor, Russells Hall Hospital

At the request of your doctor, an appointment has been made for you to have a glucose tolerance test at the glucose tolerance test area, Therapy Department, opposite Ward A2, Ground Floor, Russells Hall Hospital. If you have any questions about the information given in this leaflet, please contact the laboratory on 01384 456111, extension 2055.
You must follow the instructions given below:

• You should have nothing to eat or drink (except water) from 10 pm on the evening before your test. If you have any medication that must be taken with food, please speak to your doctor before you attend for the test.
• You should be on normal food intake for three days prior to the test.
• Please tell us about any medication you are taking when you attend for the test.

How long will it take?

The test takes approximately three hours.

What does it involve?

You will be given a flavoured glucose drink.

Blood specimens will be taken prior to you drinking the glucose drink and at two hours after you have consumed the drink.

During the test you cannot smoke, eat or drink (except water) and you must remain within the unit for the duration of the test.

Are there any side effects?

The test is safe and usually has no side effects, although very occasionally the glucose drink may cause some nausea.

What happens next?

The results will be forwarded to your doctor within a few days.

Note:  for the test to be meaningful, when you attend for the test, you must inform us of any food or drink you have consumed since 10pm the evening before.

If you have any questions, or if there is anything you do not understand about this leaflet, please speak to one of our nurses. If you need help when you return home, please contact your GP.
If you have any feedback on this patient information leaflet, please email dgft.patient.information@nhs.net
This leaflet can be made available in large print, audio version and in other languages, please call 0800 073 0510.

Originator: Anna Sanders. Date originated: February 2027. Review date: November 2021. Version: 1. DGH ref: DGH/PIL/01461.