The ITT (Insulin Tolerance Test) is often given to patients who may be suspected as having an HGH deficiency. A series of blood tests may be taken before this test is administered but this one is often used. It will help you determine whether or not you need treatment.
The Process
The procedure that is used to determine a person’s tolerance to insulin is a bit complex. It can be more easily explained as a series of steps are presented to you:
- You schedule a checkup with your doctor if you have not done so already. During this time is when you probably would told what you need to do to prepare for your ITT.
- Before you take your ITT you are usually instructed to not eat the night before the test. This is done to help lower your blood sugar level to determine whether you have an HGH deficiency or not.
- The process of inducing a blood sugar drop is then continued during your appointment the next day as the insulin shot is given. During this time is when your blood sugar level drops to its lowest point ever. This takes between 20 to 40 minutes.
- Your blood sugar level is then tested every 15 minutes during the first hour after receiving the insulin shot. During the second hour you are tested every 30 minutes.
- Once the testing is completed you are then given food to bring your blood sugar back to normal. The text results are then interpreted.
Explanation
The purpose of the ITT is to force the blood sugar level in a person to drop to 2.2 mmol/L. This is the point at which the human growth hormone is usually activated. This is one way to find out if the pituitary glad (as well as the adrenal gland) is working.
Risk to Patients
The ITT may cause some mild to moderate reactions in individuals that is typical of low blood sugar. For instance, they may start to sweat or become jittery.
They might get tired and hungry as well. This is only a temporary reaction though and only typically takes place until a person is fed after testing is complete.
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