--I feel that one has to try to get such testing done in an environment that is not likely to skew the results.

To that end, I don't necessarily think eating a carbohydrate rich diet a few days before the test is a good idea, if that is not what one normally does. Then, too, I don't think eating a very carbohydrate restrictive diet a few days before the test is a good idea, either, if that is not what one normally does. I think either might skew the test results somewhat. I do recognize that there are many people out there on special diets who might need to explain this to their physicians before the test.

There are various meds that do skew the results, and these should also be mentioned to physicians before the test begins. Anything that might interact with the rate or completeness of glucose absorption might alter the results.

One thing I do know--during the test, one should not do strenuous, or even not so strenuous, physical activity. That DEFINITELY alters results. (I'm amazed they let you go out and return, Doc, as they'd have no idea what you might have been doing during the absences. When I get the tests done, I know to bring a book or an ipod or something for the duration--I'm not going anywhere until the test is done.)

I still think that a more optimal glucose tolerance test is longer, with more frequent blood draws (half hour instead of an hour, in order not to miss rising/falling levels/patterns) and with insulin levels measured along with glucose levels. I have mine done for 4-5 hours. I admit this is not easy to tolerate for most, and the constant sticking--one can get stuck 9-10 total times--is a drag. I do alternate arms, and try to come in well hydrated, so there are different spots to access veins as time goes on.

What one is looking for is not only the glucose levels over time, but how they rise and fall in consonance with insulin levels. Even a fasting insulin level may be an interesting piece of info.

I asked them if they couldn't just leave a line in.... They know me (or my veins) well enough by now that there are only 2 phlebotomists they'll allow to work on me. Combination of really deep, hard to find, harder to penetrate veins combined with a horrendous case of trypanophobia. I think for that test they finally found one on the back of one hand, but it took a few tries, and I was extremely hydrated, cuz I hate when they drill...

Doc

Some tricks:

1) have the phlebotomist use a butterfly needle on small veins.
It makes a big difference. I also give out of the hand as I have one vein that works sometimes.

2) If you inflate a blood pressure cuff on that arm instead of that stupid rubber band thingy, it often pops the vein better.

3) some places have the new machine that scans for veins.
http://www.accuvein.com/

There are some other tricks on this site:
http://www.phlebotomypages.com/exper...m#.T47jdNnPzPM

Being well hydrated makes the process easier.

They've tried the first couple tricks to no avail, but thanks for the link; I'll check it out for future reference.

I've always suggested/offered to swing my arm around a few times (centifugal force) cuz that always gets the veins bulging, but they're always quick to decline - quite animatedly.
I'd love to catch a naive student/trainee take me up on it one day... WHOOSH!
[Sound bite of Bugs Bunny from Bugs' Bonnets... "MY SPLURTING BLOOD‽ "]

Thanks,

Doc