SCREENING TESTS FOR GESTATIONAL DIABETES
The presence of high sugar levels in the blood seen during pregnancy is known as gestational diabetes. It presents itself more commonly in the second half of the pregnancy. 1
Lets understand how gestational diabetes is diagnosed
Tests and Diagnosis for Gestational Diabetes
During weeks 8 to 12 of your pregnancy, doctor will ask questions and try to evaluate whether you are at an increased risk of gestational diabetes. 1
The doctors may use the following blood tests to diagnose gestational diabetes, namely the glucose challenge test, the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), or both. These tests indicate how well your body is utilizing sugar.
Glucose Challenge Test
The glucose challenge test, also known as the glucose screening test, is usually performed first. In this test, a blood sample is taken 1 hour after you drink a sweet liquid containing sugar. There is a need to fast for this test. If your blood sugar is ≥ 140 Mg/dL, you may need to return for an Oral Glucose Tolerance Test while fasting. If your blood sugar ≥ 200 Mg/dL, you may have type 2 diabetes. 2
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
The oral glucose tolerance test measures the blood sugar post fasting for at least 8 hours. During the test you need to drink a liquid containing glucose. After this, your blood will be drawn after a period of 2 hours for a doctor to diagnose gestational diabetes. 2
High levels of blood sugar (≥ 200 Mg/dL) indicate that you have gestational diabetes. 3
Your doctor may recommend an oral glucose tolerance test without first having the glucose challenge test. 2
The oral glucose tolerance test is asked to be done between 24 and 28 weeks. Also, if a woman has a history of gestational diabetes, she will be offered an oral glucose tolerance test earlier in pregnancy (probably soon after the booking visit), and another oral glucose tolerance test will be conducted at 24 to 28 weeks. 1
Once gestational diabetes is diagnosed, an early treatment is essential for ensuring smooth progress of the pregnancy. 1