In an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), blood glucose values are plot over time. Which graph is most consistent with Diabetes Mellitus?

1. A

   A,B,C,D

2. B

   B,C,D only

3. C

   B,D only

4. D

   C,D only

Appeared in: INI-CET EXAM -2025

Explanation

• The correct option identifies graphs B and D as being consistent with Diabetes Mellitus.
• Graph B illustrates a diabetic response where the 2-hour post-glucose value is significantly above the diagnostic threshold of 200 mg/dL.
• Graph D shows a patient with a high fasting glucose level (at or above 126 mg/dL), which is independently diagnostic for diabetes, and the level remains high after the glucose challenge.
• Both of these patterns—either a high fasting level or a significantly elevated 2-hour level—are hallmarks of diabetes mellitus.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: This option is incorrect because it includes Graph A, which shows a normal glucose response, and Graph C, which represents impaired glucose tolerance (pre-diabetes), not overt diabetes.
• Option B: This option incorrectly includes Graph C. A curve like C, with a 2-hour glucose level between 140-199 mg/dL, is classified as Impaired Glucose Tolerance (IGT), a pre-diabetic state, not diabetes mellitus.
• Option D: This option is incorrect because it excludes Graph B, which is a classic example of a diabetic OGTT curve, and incorrectly includes Graph C, which represents impaired glucose tolerance.

Related Visual

• Visual 1: Infographic: A comparative chart showing the OGTT curves for Normal, Impaired Glucose Tolerance, and Diabetic patients with labeled glucose level thresholds (mg/dL) and time points (0, 1hr, 2hr). This visual helps in directly comparing the shapes and key diagnostic points of the different responses.

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: Use the key finding related to Interpretation of Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) graphs for diagnosing Diabetes Mellitus to guide bedside assessment, documentation, and the next nursing action.
• The OGTT is a crucial diagnostic tool, especially for detecting gestational diabetes during pregnancy and identifying individuals with pre-diabetes (impaired glucose tolerance), which allows for early lifestyle intervention.
• A nurse's role is vital for the accuracy of the test. This includes properly instructing the patient on fasting requirements, administering the correct glucose load, and ensuring timely blood sample collection.
• What if? If a patient's graph resembled curve C, the diagnosis would be Impaired Glucose Tolerance (pre-diabetes). The nursing intervention would focus on patient education about lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise) to prevent or delay the progression to type 2 diabetes, rather than initiating medication.

How to Approach the Question

• First, identify the components of the graph: the y-axis represents blood glucose concentration, and the x-axis represents time after ingesting glucose.
• Recall the standard diagnostic criteria for an OGTT. Key values are the fasting glucose level and the 2-hour post-load glucose level.
• Analyze each curve individually. Pay attention to the starting point (fasting level) and the endpoint (2-hour level).
• Categorize each curve based on the criteria: Curve A is normal (low and flat). Curve C shows an intermediate rise (impaired tolerance). Curves B and D both show patterns that meet the criteria for diabetes (either a very high 2-hour value or a high fasting value).
• Finally, choose the option that correctly groups all the curves you identified as diabetic.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Interpretation of Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) graphs for diagnosing Diabetes Mellitus.
• Stem keywords: oral glucose tolerance test, OGTT, blood glucose values, graph, Diabetes Mellitus
• Lead-in keywords: most consistent with

Question ID

Q_U3HsJZym6Q5nlKejnWqm

Copy ID