# Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): what it is, who needs it and what results mean

_Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): who needs it, how often, how it is done and what results mean, with Kenya guidance and costs._

Canonical: https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/oral-glucose-tolerance-test

Author: My Wellness Health, Editorial team · Reviewed by: the My Wellness Health clinical team on 7 Oct 2026

Last updated: 7 Oct 2026 · Published by My Wellness Health — Preventive Healthcare & Care Navigation

> An oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) checks for how your body handles sugar. In Kenya it is recommended for pregnant women at higher risk at 24 to 28 weeks, and some adults being tested for diabetes, when a clinician advises.

**Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at a glance**

| Who needs it | How often | What results mean | Cost |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Pregnant women at higher risk at 24 to 28 weeks, and some adults being tested for diabetes. | When a clinician advises. | Outside pregnancy, 7.8 to 11.0 mmol/L at 2 hours is prediabetes and 11.1 or higher is diabetes; pregnancy uses its own, lower cut-offs. | Takes about 2 hours at the laboratory. |

## Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT): common questions

**Q: What does the Oral glucose tolerance test check for?**

A: How your body handles sugar.

**Q: Who should have it?**

A: Pregnant women at higher risk at 24 to 28 weeks, and some adults being tested for diabetes.

**Q: How often?**

A: When a clinician advises.

**Q: How is it done?**

A: A fasting blood test, then a sugary drink, then another test 2 hours later.

**Q: What do the results mean?**

A: Outside pregnancy, 7.8 to 11.0 mmol/L at 2 hours is prediabetes and 11.1 or higher is diabetes; pregnancy uses its own, lower cut-offs.

**Q: What does it cost?**

A: Takes about 2 hours at the laboratory.

**Q: How can My Wellness Health help?**

A: My Wellness Health's risk assessment (Hypertension and diabetes assessment, KES 200) looks at your symptoms, history and lifestyle and gives you a personalised risk report with clear next steps. A care navigator calls you back within 2 hours to help you book any screening you need at a facility that suits your budget and location. Assessment fees do not include tests or consultations at the facility.

This page is health information to help you understand risks and next steps. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a consultation with a qualified clinician. My Wellness Health is not a diagnostic service: we help you understand your risk and connect you with the right screening and care. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital or call 999 or 112. If you are thinking of harming yourself, call Befrienders Kenya on +254 722 178 177 or the Kenya Red Cross toll-free line 1199.

## Sources

- [My Wellness Health](https://www.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/)
- [Ministry of Health Kenya, Protocols for Management of Selected NCDs at Primary Care (2025)](https://health.go.ke/sites/default/files/2025-07/FINAL_NCD%20protocols.pdf)

## Other screening tests

- [Blood pressure check in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/blood-pressure-check)
- [Fasting blood sugar test in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/fasting-blood-sugar-test)
- [HbA1c test in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/hba1c-test)
- [Home blood pressure monitoring in Kenya | My Wellness Health](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/home-blood-pressure-monitoring)
- [Random blood sugar test in Kenya: who needs it and results](https://guides.mywellnesshealth.co.ke/screening-tests/random-blood-sugar-test)