In: Anatomy and Physiology
1- What does a glucose tolerance test assess ? What is it an
indirect measure of?
2- Why do blood glucose levels return to normal after 120 mins?
3- Explain the significance of an elevated 2hr post challenge glucose value.
1. GTT asseses the body's homeostatic ability to maintain normal blood glucose level. It is indirect measure of pancreatic endocrine hormone Insulin. Insulin decreases blood glucose.
2. Elevated blood glucose (which occur after we eat food) stimulate release of insulin from Beta cell of pancreas. It acts to decrease blood glucose by promoting glycolysis, glycogenesis (synthesis of glucose) and uptake of glucose by liver and muscle. This decreases blood glucose level to normal.
3. If the blood glucose remains elevated even after 2hr then it means that either the insulin secretion is insufficient or there is peripheral resistance to action of insulin. This may indicate that patient has diabetes.
Homeostasis of blood glucose -
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