oGTT (glucose intolerance test)
at your gynecologist in Munich
oGTT (glucose intolerance test)
Pregnancy is an exceptionally stressful situation for the female body. Even in healthy women, there is a decrease in insulin sensitivity from the second half of pregnancy onwards. If glucose metabolism is impaired, this mechanism leads to the development of gestational diabetes (GDM). If this condition is not treated, it can lead to considerable complications for women and children. Abnormal fetal growth may occur and the subsequent development of type 2 diabetes in affected women and children is significantly increased. Complications in women often include urinary tract infections, vaginal infections and blood pressure problems. Fortunately, early diagnosis can reduce the potential complications.
The oral glucose tolerance test/sugar load test (oGTT) can detect impaired glucose metabolism in good time. The pregnant woman must fast for approx. 9-12 hours before the start of the test. At the beginning, blood is drawn (to determine the fasting blood glucose). The patient then drinks a precisely defined amount of glucose dissolved in water in the practice. After one and two hours, blood is drawn again to determine the blood sugar.
The ingestion of glucose stimulates the rise in blood sugar and the pancreas reacts by releasing insulin. During the test, the blood glucose level is measured over a set period of time. The phases are divided into a fasting value, the rise after one hour and the subsequent drop in blood sugar
If you have any further questions about the oGTT, please contact your gynecologist's practice team in Munich or contact me directly.