Why should I take the test?💡

When you are pregnant, growth hormones are released to help the baby grow. These hormones may block the action of insulin, causing your body to be unable to cope with extra demand for insulin. 

Your blood glucose level ends up being too high, and you are at higher risk of developing gestational diabetes. The glucose tolerance test identifies abnormalities in the way your body processes glucose after a meal. 

How is the test done?💉

All moms-to-be are recommended to get tested for gestational diabetes at 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. It is important to eat and drink normally leading up to the d-day of the test. Let your doctors know if you are ill or taking any medications as these can affect the results of the test.

Before the procedure

You will be fasting for at least 8 hours. You can fast overnight and schedule the appointment early in the following morning.

During the procedure

When you arrive at a hospital, clinic, doctor's office or lab, a sample of blood will be taken from a vein in your arm. The blood sample will be used to measure your fasting blood glucose level.

Type 2 diabetes

If you are tested for type 2 diabetes, you will drink 8 ounces (237 milliliters) of a special sugary beverage containing 2.6 ounces (75 grams) of sugar. Two hours later, your blood glucose level is measured again to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. 

Gestational diabetes

When you are tested for gestational diabetes, if your blood glucose level is higher than 140mg/dL after the one-hour test, the doctor will recommend the three-hour test. If your blood glucose level is higher than 190mg/dL after the one-hour-test, the doctor diagnoses you with gestational diabetes.

To be considered normal for the three-hour-test, a normal fasting blood glucose level is lower than 95 mg/dL (5.3 mmol/L). One hour after drinking the glucose solution, a normal blood glucose level should be lower than 180 mg/dL (10 mmol/L). Two hours after drinking the glucose solution, a normal blood glucose level is lower than 155 mg/dL (8.6 mmol/L). Three hours after drinking the glucose solution, a normal level is lower than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L).

Your glucose level is measured once every hour. If one of the results is higher than normal, you will be required to test again in four weeks. If two of three results are higher than normal, you will be immediately diagnosed with gestational diabetes. 

TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️:

Risk factors associated with gestational diabetes

If you are over the age of 35 years, have a family history of diabetes or gestational diabetes in your previous pregnancy, you are at higher risk of developing gestational diabetes again.

If you are above the healthy weight range or gaining too much weight during pregnancy, there is a likelihood that your baby is also big. Polycystic ovary syndrome and antipsychotic or steroid medications are also red flags for a possible diagnosis of gestational diabetes.

Risks of the procedure

The risks associated with drawing blood samples are slight. You may feel dizzy or lightheaded because of loss of blood. Although infection is rare, it is possible in some cases.

Monitoring your blood glucose levels

Managing gestational diabetes will be no difficulty if you follow a healthy diet and exercise regularly. If your blood sugar levels remain high despite all your efforts and exercise regime, you may need medication to lower the level. 

Just a reminder, your chubby baby will need special monitoring to keep your baby's glucose level at a safe level after the birth since it may be too low for a while. Always consult with the medical team to protect you and your little one most effectively.