What should you know about oral glucose tolerance drink?

After a fasting blood sample when required, you drink the prepared glucose solution. Further blood samples are taken according to the clinic's schedule so the team can compare your blood glucose response. The drink can taste very sweet, and some people feel briefly nauseated, light-headed, warm, or tired. These sensations should be reported rather than ignored, particularly if you feel close to fainting.

Follow the clinic's instructions about fasting, usual medicines, and arrival time. Bring water for after the test, something to read, and a snack for when staff say eating is allowed. Remain seated and avoid eating, smoking, or strenuous activity during the testing period unless the clinic tells you otherwise. Tell staff if you vomit the drink, because the test may need to be rearranged.

Tell the staff straight away if you develop marked dizziness, sweating, shaking, vomiting, weakness, or feel faint after drinking the solution. They can check you and decide whether to stop or repeat the test. Outside the appointment, seek urgent help for severe symptoms such as collapse, confusion, or difficulty breathing.

Ask whether you need to fast, which medicines you should take, how long the appointment will last, and when results will be available. Ask what happens if you cannot keep the drink down or feel unwell during sampling.