What type of test is the OGTT?

The OGTT stands for Oral Glucose Tolerance Test, which is a diagnostic test used primarily to evaluate how the body processes glucose. During this test, a patient consumes a standardized amount of glucose, usually in the form of a sweet drink, and then their blood glucose levels are measured at intervals afterward. This helps in assessing the insulin response and can be particularly useful in diagnosing conditions such as prediabetes or diabetes.

The test specifically measures how effectively glucose is cleared from the bloodstream, allowing healthcare professionals to determine if an individual has impaired glucose tolerance or diabetes. This process distinguishes the OGTT from other types of tests, such as a blood pressure test, a cholesterol test, or a blood glucose self-test, each of which serves different diagnostic purposes and methods for monitoring various health conditions.