P Atient Information Leaflet Glucose Tolerance Test (Test For

p atient information leaflet glucose tolerance test (test for diabetes) patient information leaflet gluc

P atient Information Leaflet
Glucose Tolerance Test
(Test for Diabetes)
PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET
GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST
(Test for Diabetes)
Please book an appointment for a glucose tolerance test online at
www.uhcw.nhs.uk/bloodtests
Please select City of Coventry Health Centre and then Glucose
Tolerance Test.
Booked appointment:
Date…………………. Time………………….
At: City of Coventry Health Centre, Phlebotomy (blood
taking), Ground Floor, 2 Stoney Stanton Rd, CV1 4FS
DO NOT take a ticket; you will be called to start the test.
If you need to cancel the appointment you have booked this can also be
done online.
Bring your blood test paper form with your name and details on, which
your doctor, nurse or midwife has given to you.
Why is this test required?
Your doctor has requested you attend for a glucose tolerance test to
see if you have diabetes mellitus. Glucose (sugar) may have been found
in your urine, or the doctor may have noticed symptoms which need
investigation. The test is often carried out in pregnancy.
Diabetes mellitus is a common condition in which the amount of glucose
in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. Find
more information on diabetes at Diabetes.org.uk or call 0345 123 2399.
Preparation for the test
Before the test:
*
Eat as you would normally at least 3 days before the test
*
Do not eat or drink (except plain water) from Midnight the night
before the test
*
Continue to take prescribed medicines, unless advised not to. If
you are taking Metformin, please contact your doctor as soon as
you receive this leaflet, because this will affect the results of
the test
The test
The test will take between 2-3 hours. We suggest you bring something
to read to help pass the time. Don’t forget to bring your blood test
paper form with you.
Smoking is not permitted during the test as it may affect the result.
Blood samples will be taken from your arm and/or finger, and the
glucose level measured. Some patients may be told at this point the
test does not need to be continued and they can go home.
Most patients will continue with the test and will be given a sugary
drink, which should be drunk within 5 minutes. During the 2 hour test
you may drink plain water.
Please note this is a resting test and you must then sit quietly for 2
hours and are not allowed to walk around or leave the building. After
the 2 hours a second blood sample will be taken.
This completes the test and you may then go home.
The test results
Your doctor or midwife will receive the results within a couple of
days and will explain the results to you.
Document Type: Patient Information
Document Reference: PH PI1
Version : 5
Author: C. Wood Approver: C. Tomkins
Property of Coventry & Warwickshire Pathology Services
This is a controlled document – Do not copy
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