During a glucose tolerance test, which pattern is expected in a diabetic animal?

During a glucose tolerance test, which pattern is expected in a diabetic animal?

• A. Show an initial peak and then diminish to normal
• B. Remain high throughout the test
• C. Show a delayed peak at the end of the test period
• D. Show below normal levels throughout the test

Answer: (B)

Glucose tolerance tests reveal how well the body handles a glucose load. In diabetes, insulin signaling is impaired or insulin resistance prevents glucose from being taken up by tissues, so blood glucose stays elevated and does not return to normal quickly. That’s why the pattern where glucose remains high throughout the test best matches diabetic physiology. The other patterns imply normal or non-diabetic responses: an initial spike followed by a return toward normal suggests effective insulin action; a delayed peak or glucose levels staying below normal don’t align with the typical diabetic response after a glucose challenge.

Glucose tolerance tests reveal how well the body handles a glucose load. In diabetes, insulin signaling is impaired or insulin resistance prevents glucose from being taken up by tissues, so blood glucose stays elevated and does not return to normal quickly. That’s why the pattern where glucose remains high throughout the test best matches diabetic physiology.

The other patterns imply normal or non-diabetic responses: an initial spike followed by a return toward normal suggests effective insulin action; a delayed peak or glucose levels staying below normal don’t align with the typical diabetic response after a glucose challenge.