What does the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) measure?

The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) specifically measures blood glucose levels after the intake of a glucose-rich beverage. This test is designed to evaluate how well the body processes glucose and is particularly useful in diagnosing conditions such as prediabetes and diabetes. During the test, a patient fasts overnight and then consumes a known quantity of glucose. Blood samples are collected at intervals to monitor how the glucose is metabolized by the body, providing information about insulin sensitivity and the body's ability to manage blood sugar.

Understanding the OGTT is crucial for identifying individuals who may not regulate their blood glucose properly, and timely intervention can help manage or prevent diabetes-related complications. The other options do not relate to the assessment of glucose metabolism; they focus on different bodily functions such as lipid levels, liver function, and renal function, which are assessed through entirely different tests and methodologies.