The normal range for a Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT), specifically the 2-hour plasma glucose level, is less than 140 mg/dL.
Here's a breakdown of GTT results and what they indicate:
Understanding Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) Results
A Glucose Tolerance Test measures how well your body processes sugar (glucose) over time. Here are the different ranges and their interpretations, based on the 2-hour plasma glucose level:
| GTT Result (2-hour plasma glucose) | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| <140 mg/dL | Normal glucose tolerance |
| 140-199 mg/dL | Impaired glucose tolerance |
| ≥200 mg/dL | Indicates diabetes |
-
Normal Glucose Tolerance: A result below 140 mg/dL after two hours suggests your body is efficiently processing glucose.
-
Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT): Results between 140 and 199 mg/dL indicate that your body isn't processing glucose as effectively as it should. This can be a sign of prediabetes, increasing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
-
Diabetes: A result of 200 mg/dL or higher after two hours is indicative of diabetes. This means your body is having a significant issue with processing sugar.
Why is this Test Important?
The GTT is used to:
- Diagnose gestational diabetes (diabetes during pregnancy).
- Identify individuals with prediabetes (Impaired glucose tolerance).
- Detect diabetes early, facilitating timely management and preventing complications.
Practical Insights
- If you have a GTT result indicating impaired glucose tolerance, lifestyle changes such as diet modifications, increased physical activity, and weight management are important.
- If your results show diabetes, it's important to work closely with your doctor to develop a treatment plan.
