Glucose Screening Test during Pregnancy

Pregnant women are offered the glucose challenge tests when there are suspected cases of gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes can develop even if you have no history of sugar-related problems in the family. It is good to find out earlier if you have this condition since your doctor will be able to guide you on a low-carb diet and exercise program, and occasionally treat you with medication if necessary.

Syrupy Facts

• The probable cause for this form of diabetes is the placental hormones that temporarily cause a change in the way insulin functions
• Some pregnant women are not able to produce sufficient amount of insulin to keep the blood sugar at safe levels, and therefore are at risk of developing complications.
• The glucose test is a 2-step procedure with the first being a screening test and the second (glucose tolerance test) being used to diagnose the problem.
• It is normally carried out between weeks 24-28, and performed earlier if there is a family history of diabetes or your routine urine test shows higher than normal glucose level
• Glucose screening test is performed to detect the rate your body metabolizes blood sugar or glucose. A high level of more than 150 mg (and less than 200 mg) calls for the diagnostic test to be performed.
• A simple test, there are no risks or pain involved, apart from the possible nausea and vomiting after drinking the syrup (more likely during the diagnostic test since the solution is more concentrated or in a higher volume).
• Gestational diabetes is a temporary problem that goes away after the baby is born, though a test at the 6th week postpartum will be necessary just to be sure you do not have type 2 diabetes.
• Though the problem '‘fixes itself' once the baby is born, the tendency to develop diabetes is prevalent among obese women.

Glucose Screening Test During Pregnancy

The glucose screening test is a one hour test that involves drinking a flat, thick, very sweet, soda solution. An alternative is to the syrup are jelly beans. An hour later a blood sample from a vein in your arm will be taken to check the blood sugar level. No fasting is involved. An abnormal reading which occurs about 20 percent of the time would mean further testing is required on another day. Being a screening test, the test will inform you that 'maybe' something is not right, with no definite answers.

Glucose Tolerance Test during Pregnancy

Glucose Tolerance Test is a diagnostic test that takes up more of your time and fasting (12 hours prior) is required. Being very accurate, you will be given a definite answer. More than 80 percent of those with a positive reading during the screening test go on to show normal sugar reading during the glucose tolerance test. The three hour glucose tolerance test is similar to the screening test except that the blood is checked before the glucose concoction is given, and every hour for the next three hours thereafter. Get something to eat after your final blood sample is drawn as you may feel very hungry by then.