Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) Information for parents/carers

Background

This test is being carried out to find out how efficiently the pancreas will secrete insulin in response to a glucose load (given as a drink of Polycal ®).

Preparation for the test

Your child should not eat anything from midnight before the test, or during the test itself, but they can drink water if thirsty.

On the day of the test

On arrival, the nurse will discuss the test with you and give you the opportunity to ask questions. At the start of the procedure we will insert an intra-venous cannula (small plastic tube) into the crook of your child’s arm, or the back of their hand. The local anaesthetic cream you have been given will help to numb the area. The cannula will be used to take blood samples throughout the test. At the beginning of the test, they will be asked drink a pre-calculated glass of Polycal ® within 5-10 minutes which stimulates the secretion of insulin. Regular small blood samples will be taken via the cannula throughout the test which will last approximately two hours. Your child will not be able to eat during the test, but can drink water if they feel thirsty. As soon as the test is finished, they can eat and drink again normally. At the end of the test, the cannula will be removed and your child will be discharged home.

Follow-up

At your follow-up appointment you will have the opportunity to discuss the blood results with the doctor and whether any further treatment or tests are necessary.

Contacts

Please do ask the doctors any questions you may have or contact the specialist endocrine nurses on 01223 217496.