Glucose Tolerance Test

[jland25]

My son's doctor has ordered (more!) blood work, including a glucose tolerance test. Of course, he failed to mention this particular test before sending me the script, so I was just wondering why this is done? Is 6-MP a risk for diabetes? The biologics? He is newly diagnosed and only on Prednisone thus far.

My son is terrified of blood tests and a GTT would be traumatic for him. I do have a call in to the doctor, but I was hoping to take advantage of the expertise in this forum as I can never know when I will hear back.

Thanks!

 

[Patricia56]

He may have had a high reading on a recent blood test. Do you get copies of your son's lab work? If so you might look for glucose and see what the reading is. As far as I know that would be the only reason for ordering a GTT. Are you sure it says GTT and not GGT? The later is a liver test.

My son has had high glucose levels several times but the next step his doctor takes is to run a fasting blood sugar and an Ha1C level. Those have always been fine and he stops there.

I am not aware of any risk of diabetes from 6-MP or biologics. Doesn't mean there isn't one but it's not something that is typical that's for sure. However, I do know that my son's doctors are very sensitive to the possibility of his developing diabetes.

 

[Catherine]

I have been told there is an increase risk crohn's disease for someone who has type 1 diabetes. Risk was due to them both being autoimmune diseases.

 

[DustyKat]

@ jland25 Prednisone does have the potential to cause steroid induced diabetes. How long has he been on them? Could this be the reason?

This potential side effect is more noticeable when someone is hospital on IV steroids, it is the reason they do your BSL (finger prick) about 4 times a day.

Dusty. xxx