When you are expecting to become a mother, you need to take great care of your health and that of your baby, right? So, a condition that some mothers may experience during pregnancy is called gestational diabetes . This means that the blood sugar level increases slightly. To identify this, doctors ask you to take a sugar test. Today, we will talk about these tests in simple terms.
What are these sugar tests done during pregnancy? Why are they important?
Simply put, these tests check to see if your blood sugar (glucose) levels are higher than normal during pregnancy. About 10% of pregnant women develop gestational diabetes . If it is not managed properly, it can cause serious problems for both you and your baby. That is why this test is so important.
Now, look, there are two types of tests your doctor may ask you to do:
1. Glucose Challenge Test - This is the first, basic test.
2. Glucose Tolerance Test - If the results of the first one are abnormal, this is the next one to be done.
The main difference is that the first one checks whether you are at risk of developing gestational diabetes. It doesn't say "yes, you have it" outright. If the results are abnormal, the doctor will refer you to a second test. That second test is what makes the definitive diagnosis. In both tests, you are given a sweet liquid to drink and then a small amount of blood is taken from a vein in your arm.
Step One: The Glucose Challenge Test
This is the first screening test . It checks whether you are at high risk of developing gestational diabetes. This is something that is routinely done during your pregnancy care. Don't be alarmed if the result is abnormal. It doesn't mean you have gestational diabetes. It just means that the doctor is saying, "Okay, let's look a little deeper," and is referring you to a second, confirmatory test (the Glucose Tolerance Test). This first test is also called:
- Glucose screening
- Gestational diabetes screening
- One-hour glucose challenge test
However, the most important thing is that this is just a basic test . If the results are normal, no further tests will be needed.
The second and crucial step: the glucose tolerance test.
This is the test that confirms whether you have gestational diabetes or not . It takes about three hours. It also involves taking several blood samples at specific times. It's a little complicated, because you have to fast for a few hours before doing this. It's sometimes called the "three-hour glucose test."
When is this glucose challenge test done during pregnancy?
Screening for gestational diabetes is usually done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy . However, your doctor may recommend that you have this test earlier if you have any of the following risk factors:
- If you had diabetes during a previous pregnancy.
- If you find out that there is sugar in your urine at the pregnancy clinic.
- If someone in the family (like mother, father, siblings) has diabetes.
- If you are obese .
- If you have high blood pressure .
- If you are over 35 years old.
- If you have a condition like `(PCOS - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)` or another medical condition that increases your risk of developing diabetes.
How should I prepare for the hourly glucose test?
Actually, there's no need to prepare for a glucose test at this time. Many doctors recommend avoiding high-sugar foods (e.g., pancakes, donuts, or sugary drinks) for breakfast. If you're testing in the afternoon, keep in mind that eating a lot of sugar at lunch can affect the results.
Can I eat before a glucose screening test?
Yes, you can eat normally and go for this glucose screening test. There is no need to fast.
What to expect on the day of the screening test?
On the day of the test, follow the instructions given to you by your doctor or the lab exactly. Know exactly where to go and whether you need an appointment.
How is this glucose screening done during pregnancy?
This is what happens:
1. First, you will be given a sweet liquid (called ``Glucola'') to drink. This contains about 50 grams of glucose (a type of sugar). You must drink this quickly within five minutes.
2. Exactly one hour (60 minutes) after drinking it, a blood sample will be taken from a vein in your arm.
3. This blood test checks how your body has used that glucose solution.
Important: You should not eat or drink anything from the time you drink the `(Glucola)` liquid until you donate blood. It is usually okay to just drink a little water.
Just because your blood sugar level is slightly higher than normal after one hour doesn't mean you have gestational diabetes. It does mean your doctor will ask you to do a second, confirmatory glucose tolerance test.
How to prepare for the glucose tolerance test?
If your first glucose screening test results are abnormal (i.e., "fail"), your doctor will order this second test to confirm gestational diabetes. This is similar to the first test, but it takes a little longer and requires multiple blood draws .
To prepare for this, your doctor will give you some special dietary instructions. Some of them are:
- Eat at least 150 grams of carbohydrates per day for three days before the test (carbohydrates are starchy foods like rice, bread, and potatoes).
- You should not eat or drink anything for 8 to 12 hours before the test (you must fast). It is usually okay to drink a few sips of water the morning of the test.
- It's best to take the test in the morning.
Remember: Even if you "fail" the first glucose screening, you may still "pass" this `(Glucose Tolerance Test)`. So don't worry.
How is the glucose tolerance test done during pregnancy?
Unlike the glucose screening test, the first step in this three-hour ``Glucose Tolerance Test'' is not to drink a sweet liquid.
1. First, the phlebotomist will take a small amount of blood to check your fasting blood glucose level . This is done while you have not eaten or drunk anything.
2. Then, you will be given a sweet liquid (`(Glucola)`) containing 100 grams of glucose to drink quickly over five minutes.
3. Your blood will be drawn one hour, two hours, and three hours after you finish drinking the liquid. That means you will give blood four times, including the first time.
You will not be allowed to leave the lab until the next blood sample is given. So don't be lazy to bring something to read, like a book or magazine. You will often be given a few sips of water during this test. However, you will not be allowed to eat anything else until the last blood sample is given.
How long does this glucose test take?
The glucose screening takes a little over an hour.
The glucose tolerance test takes more than three hours.
Can I drink water during the glucose tolerance test?
Most doctors will allow you to drink a few sips of water during the three-hour test, but it's best to check with your doctor or the lab for specifics.
Are there any side effects from drinking the sugary liquid during the test?
Most people don't experience any side effects. Some people say they feel nauseous or dizzy after drinking it. However, serious side effects are rare. The taste of glucose liquid may taste like overly sweetened orange juice or carbonated soda to some people. This may be a little off-putting to some.
How long does it take to know the results of the gestational diabetes screening?
Most people get their gestational diabetes screening results within a day or two. Ask your doctor when you can expect the results.
What are the normal values for an hourly glucose test?
If your blood sugar level is less than 140 mg/dL (milligrams per deciliter), it is normal. No further testing is needed for gestational diabetes.
If your blood sugar level is 140 mg/dL or higher, your doctor will order a three-hour glucose tolerance test.
Please note: Every doctor and lab is different, so normal values may vary slightly. For example, some doctors consider anything above 135 mg/dL to be abnormal.
What are the normal values for the three-hour glucose test during pregnancy?
During the three-hour ``Glucose Tolerance Test'':
- Fasting blood sugar levels should be less than 95 mg/dL.
- One hour after drinking the honey solution, blood sugar levels should be below 180 mg/dL.
- After two hours , blood sugar levels should be less than 155 mg/dL.
- After three hours , blood sugar levels should be less than 140 mg/dL.
Keep in mind that the normal values your doctor uses may vary slightly. Generally speaking, if at least two of your results are elevated, your doctor will diagnose you with gestational diabetes. If only one result is elevated, you may be asked to test again in a few weeks.
Understand your glucose test results and discuss any questions you may have with your doctor.
What happens if I "fail" the three-hour glucose test?
If you "fail" the three-hour glucose test, meaning your blood sugar levels are higher than normal, your doctor will tell you that you have gestational diabetes . The main things you can do to treat diabetes during pregnancy are to make changes to your diet and to use a blood glucose meter to check your blood sugar levels at regular times throughout the day. A blood glucose meter is a small machine that measures your blood sugar levels from a drop of your blood. If diet alone is not enough, you may need insulin to help control your gestational diabetes. Your doctor or dietitian can help you control your blood sugar levels throughout your pregnancy. Don't worry, most mothers manage this well.
Can I refuse this glucose challenge test during pregnancy?
Yes, you have the legal right to refuse this glucose screening. However, almost all major medical associations and prenatal care providers in the world recommend that you get this test if you are pregnant. This is because this glucose test is the only way to know if you have gestational diabetes. If left untreated, gestational diabetes can cause complications for both you and your baby.
Why is this glucose test necessary during pregnancy?
This glucose test is what helps your doctor determine if you have gestational diabetes. If you have diabetes during pregnancy, it is very important to control your blood sugar levels. If left untreated, diabetes can cause serious complications. Some of these include:
- Preeclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy).
- The baby's weight increases (delivering a large baby) , which increases the risk of the baby having problems during birth or having to undergo a C-section.
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in the baby after birth.
- Your baby is at increased risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes later in life .
Is there anything you can do to "pass" your pregnancy glucose test?
In fact, the way your body uses glucose during pregnancy is largely out of your control. However, eating sugary, sweet foods and drinks before your screening test can affect your results. This includes things like bread, pasta, cakes, sugary cereals, juices and sweetened drinks. If you want to "pass" your glucose screening test, it's best to stay away from these foods and drinks as much as possible for a few days before the test. Eating a balanced diet is the most important thing.
Finally, remember this (Take-Home Message)
This screening test for gestational diabetes is just one of many tests you'll have during your pregnancy. Because uncontrolled diabetes can cause complications for both you and your baby , it's now a routine part of prenatal care. Glucose tests are simple, relatively painless. They involve drinking a sweetened liquid and having a small amount of blood drawn from a vein in your arm at regular intervals. If your body isn't using glucose properly, your blood sugar levels can become high or abnormal.
Talk to your doctor to understand exactly what this glucose test is, when it should be done, and where you should go. Then you can understand this whole process better. Don't worry, all this is done for the good health of you and your precious baby.
` Pregnancy, diabetes, glucose test, gestational diabetes, sugar test, pregnancy health, baby's health
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