Risks and side effects of the glucose tolerance test

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One of the common health problems worldwide is the diabetes. It is prolong disease condition arising as a result of either the inability of the body to optimally utilize the insulin produced or pancreas producing insufficient insulin needed by the body. In both instances, the body becomes incapacitated in processing food properly to use as energy.

Basically, there are two main types of diabetes. Type 1 diabetes commonly diagnosed in children and young adults occurs when the body does not produce insulin which is called juvenile diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a condition when the body does not use insulin properly, which is known as insulin resistance.

This development leads to the building up of glucose in the blood which in the long run may become higher with potentials to damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves, and heart. The mechanism to measure the level of glucose in the human blood is known as Glucose tolerance test. It is not unexpected for the glucose level to rise immediately after eating and returns to normal when the food has been utilized by the body in a healthy person. A glucose tolerance test can be used to difference between normal glucose levels and the levels seen in diabetes and prediabetes. Simply put, the glucose tolerance test is used to measure the body’s response to glucose. The test works efficiently 8-12 hours after the last meal taken by the person.

Risks and side effects of the glucose tolerance test 

Some of the risks and associated side effects are nausea, excessive seating, difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, and mild pain. Some uncommon severe risks are infection, severe bleeding, and retained blood under the skin as well as being in coma for a little time.

Other options for testing diabetes A1C: measures average blood glucose over 2-3 months. It measures the percentage of blood sugar attached to hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying protein in the red blood cells. It does not require fasting, glucose solution to drink. It is highly efficient, quick and easy to carry out.

Fasting plasma glucose: measures a person’s fasting blood glucose levels. The person has to eat or drink for at least 8 hours before the test.

Random blood sugar test: this can be done immediately after taken meals and it is basically used by people with serious diabetes symptoms.

Diabetes is a growing disease and its mortality rate is high. It is also the leading cause of blindness, kidney failure, amputations, heart failure, and stroke with no absolute cure at the moment. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment is important in managing the disease.