OGTT Test Singapore

The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) is a diagnostic procedure that measures how well your body processes sugar over a specific period. During this test, you’ll drink a glucose solution and have blood samples taken at timed intervals to monitor your blood sugar response. The primary goal is to diagnose diabetes, prediabetes, or gestational diabetes by observing how your body handles a controlled amount of glucose.

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Dr Adrian Mondry
Physician (FRG) | MD (HHU Düsseldorf) | MRCP (London) | IM Specialist (ÄKNo) | Hypertensiologist (DHL)
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Indications for OGTT Test Singapore

Your doctor may recommend an OGTT test under several circumstances to assess your glucose metabolism.

  • Suspected diabetes diagnosis

    Blood tests suggest possible diabetes, but confirmation is needed through detailed glucose monitoring over time.

  • Prediabetes screening

    You have risk factors such as family history, obesity, or previous abnormal blood sugar readings that warrant closer examination.

  • Gestational diabetes testing

    Routine screening during pregnancy, typically between 24-28 weeks, to detect diabetes that develops during pregnancy.

  • Unexplained symptoms

    You experience symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, or unexplained fatigue that may indicate blood sugar problems.

  • High-risk medical conditions

    You have conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or metabolic syndrome that increase diabetes risk.

Benefits of OGTT Test

The OGTT test provides comprehensive information about your glucose metabolism that simpler blood tests cannot capture.

  • Comprehensive diabetes diagnosis

    The test reveals how your body responds to glucose over time, providing a more complete picture than single blood sugar measurements.

  • Early detection of prediabetes

    Identifies impaired glucose tolerance before it progresses to full diabetes, allowing for preventive lifestyle changes.

  • Gestational diabetes identification

    Protects both mother and baby by detecting pregnancy-related diabetes that requires specific management during pregnancy.

How Do I Prepare for an OGTT Test?

Proper preparation helps ensure reliable test results and a smooth testing experience.

Fasting requirements: You must avoid all food and drinks except water for 8-12 hours before the test, typically fasting overnight before a morning appointment.

Medication review: Inform your doctor about all medications, as some may need temporary adjustment or discontinuation before testing to avoid affecting results.

Physical activity considerations: Maintain your normal activity level for three days before the test, avoiding unusual exercise or dietary changes that might influence glucose metabolism.

What to Expect During OGTT Test Singapore

Fasting blood test

A baseline blood sample is taken after you have fasted overnight, usually for 8–12 hours.

Glucose drink

You will be given a specially prepared sweet drink to consume, which contains a measured amount of glucose.

Timed blood samples

Blood is drawn at specific intervals (such as 1 and 2 hours after the drink) to see how your body processes sugar over time.

Pregnancy-specific testing

For those who are pregnant, the test may be done in one or two steps, depending on medical guidelines and doctor preference.

Child-friendly adjustments

In children, the test is adapted based on body weight to ensure safe and accurate assessment.

Are you experiencing fatigue, blurred vision, or unusual thirst after meals?

Consult our accredited specialist for an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) today.

Results Review and Follow-Up

Once your OGTT results are available, they will be reviewed to assess how your body processes glucose over time. The results help identify whether your blood sugar levels fall within the normal range, indicate impaired glucose tolerance, or suggest diabetes.

Based on the findings, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes, further diagnostic testing, or medical treatment. Follow-up testing may also be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure your blood sugar levels remain well-managed over time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Will I need someone to accompany me to the test?

Most people can attend alone and drive themselves home, but if you have a history of fainting during blood tests or feel unwell after the glucose drink, bringing someone may be helpful.

How long does the OGTT take?

The entire test usually takes between 2 to 3 hours. After the initial blood draw, you’ll drink a glucose solution, followed by one or more blood tests at set intervals.

Can I take my regular medication before the test?

You should inform the clinic about any medications or supplements you’re taking. Some may need to be paused before the test, based on medical advice.

Are there any side effects during the test?

Some individuals may feel light-headed, nauseous, or tired after drinking the glucose solution. These effects are usually mild and temporary.

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Dr Adrian Mondry

Physician (FRG)|MD (HHU Düsseldorf)|Specialist for Internal Medicine (ÄKNo)|Hypertensiologist (DHL)|MRCP (London)

Dr. Mondry has over 30 years of experience as an internal medicine & hypertension specialist.

  • Previously a Senior Consultant in the Department of Medicine at the National University Hospital and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital, where he is currently a visiting consultant.
  • Hypertension Specialist accredited by the German Hypertension League (DHL)

  • Contributed to the latest Singapore ACE Clinical Guidance on “Hypertension – Tailoring the Management Plan to Optimise Blood Pressure Control” as a committee member.

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