Variation in glucose tolerance with ambient temperature.

Ambient temperature may affect venous glucose concentration after glucose tolerance tests. We analysed 1030 standardised 75 g tests. Although mean fasting values did not differ, post-load values did: adjusted mean 2 h glucose concentration was 1.03 mmol/L lower at lower (5-14 degrees C) than at higher (25-31 degrees C) temperatures (p < 0.001). The occurrence of abnormal glucose tolerance doubled on warmer days. The diagnostic accuracy of the glucose tolerance test showed clinically significant temperature-associated variation. These variations, if confirmed, call for temperature standardisation during glucose tolerance testing and/or alternative strategies for use when standardisation is not feasible.