Test diet - glucose tolerance

Aim

To provide at least 150g of carbohydrate per day.

Characteristics

Uses a set pattern of foods to provide at least 12 exchanges of carbohydrate per day. Fifteen grams of carbohydrate is equal to one exchange.

Indications

This is a test diet used in the investigation of impaired glucose tolerance.

Nutritional adequacy

Nutritionally adequate.

Precautions

The diet is required for three days prior to the test.

Paediatrics

Suitable for use in paediatrics when combined with an age-appropriate diet.

Suggested meal structure

Breakfast	≥3 exchanges	fruit / juice + cereal + bread / toast / jam
Morning tea	≥1 exchanges	biscuit / fruit + juice / soft drink
< 250mgLunch	≥3 exchanges	sandwich + fruit, or starchy veg + 2 veg + bread / fruit
Afternoon tea	≥1 exchanges	biscuit / fruit + juice / soft drink
Dinner	≥3 exchanges	starchy veg + 2 veg + bread / fruit
Supper	≥ 1 exchanges	biscuits + flavoured milk

Specific menu planning guidelines

	Allowed	Not allowed
Hot main dishes	All	-
Sauces, gravies	All	-
Starchy vegetables / pasta / rice	All	-
Vegetables	All	-
Soups	All	-
Sandwiches	All	-
Salads, dressings	All	-
Breads, cereals	All	-
Spreads	Jam, marmalade, Vegemite™, peanut butter	-
Hot breakfast choices	All	-
Fruit	All	-
Yoghurt	All, including diet yoghurt	-
Desserts	All	Low-joule jelly
Milk and cheese	All	-
Beverages	All others	Low-joule cordial and soft drinks
Biscuits	All	-
Miscellaneous	Sugar	Artificial sweetener

References

1. QML Pathology. Glucose tolerance test.
2. NSW Health. Medical procedures instructions: glucose tolerance test (HTS-655).