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.
