Glukoosirasitus

Glukoosirasitus is the deliberate exposure of the body's metabolic system to a glucose load in order to study glucose handling, insulin response, and energy metabolism. It is used in clinical diagnostics and metabolic research and can be performed via oral glucose administration or intravenous glucose infusion. In many contexts the term encompasses both diagnostic tests and controlled stimulation in experimental settings.

When glucose enters the bloodstream, blood glucose rises and pancreatic beta cells release insulin. Incretin hormones such as GLP-1 and GIP amplify insulin secretion. The liver reduces endogenous glucose production and promotes glycogen synthesis. Skeletal muscle and adipose tissue take up glucose via GLUT4 transporters, increasing glycolysis and, when in excess, storage as glycogen or fat. The metabolic response also shifts substrate use, with changes in lipid and protein metabolism.

In clinical practice, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) is the most common form of glukoosirasitus, used to assess glucose tolerance and diagnose diabetes, prediabetes, and gestational diabetes in some guidelines. Intravenous glucose tolerance tests and euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp studies are used primarily in research to quantify insulin sensitivity and beta-cell function. A glucose challenge test may be employed as a screening step during pregnancy.

Interpretation of results depends on timing and glucose values, fasting state, and patient factors such as age, weight, physical activity, medications, and comorbid conditions. Safety considerations include monitoring for hyperglycemia or hypoglycemia, particularly in individuals with diabetes or impaired glucose regulation. Glukoosirasitus is a key tool for understanding the dynamics of glucose metabolism in health and disease.