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Article: Glucose tolerance test.(Tips from the clinical experts)
- Article from:
- Medical Laboratory Observer
- Article date:
- September 1, 2003
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2003 Nelson Publishing. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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Q What are the latest guidelines for glucose tolerance testing, as far as glucose dosage and specimen draw times? What are the latest guidelines for gestational diabetes in regard to glucose amount, draw time, and patient fasting or nonfasting?
A The glucose tolerance test is no longer recommended as the standard for diabetes testing. The Expert Committee on the Diagnosis and Classification of Diabetes Mellitus suggests that fasting blood glucose levels greater than or equal to 126 mg/dL after an eight-hour fast on at least two occasions is diagnostic for diabetes. (1) The literature currently favors a two-hour postprandial glucose testing after a loading dose of ...