Which of the following statements best describes the diet preparation for a standard glucose tolerance test?

• A. a high carbohydrate diet for 3 days
• B. a low carbohydrate diet for 3 days
• C. fasting for 48 hrs. prior to testing
• D. bed rest for 3 days

Answer: (A)

Preparing for a standard glucose tolerance test relies on having a consistent metabolic state, which is achieved by loading the body with carbohydrates before the test. A high carbohydrate diet for three days ensures that liver glycogen stores are replenished and normal glucose disposal mechanisms are ready to respond to the glucose challenge. This standardizes the body’s response so results aren’t skewed by prior carbohydrate depletion. A low carbohydrate diet would deplete glycogen and alter glucose handling, leading to inaccurate results. A 48-hour fast is not part of the dietary prep because prolonged fasting changes glucose production and can distort the test outcome, and bed rest doesn’t affect the metabolic conditions necessary for the test.