Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

What range is classified as impaired glucose tolerance?

1. Less than 5.5

2. Between 6 and 7

3. More than 7.8 but less than 11

4. More than 11

The correct answer is: More than 7.8 but less than 11

Impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) is a metabolic condition identified through glucose testing, specifically characterized by the blood glucose levels after an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The criteria for IGT are established by organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO). In this context, the correct range for classifying impaired glucose tolerance is indeed more than 7.8 mmol/L but less than 11.0 mmol/L. This range indicates that while the individual's glucose levels are elevated compared to a normal fasting state, they do not meet the criteria for diabetes, which would be indicated by values of 11.1 mmol/L or higher. To clarify further, values less than 5.5 mmol/L are generally considered normal glucose levels, while values between 6.0 and 7.0 mmol/L suggest a state of impaired fasting glucose but do not describe glucose tolerance during an OGTT. Values exceeding 11 mmol/L are indicative of diabetes, hence the criteria for IGT is clearly defined within that specified range.