Testing For Gestational Diabetes
HomePregnancyHubPregnancy complicationsGestational diabetes Testing for gestational diabetes
There are some risk factors that increase your chance of developing gestational diabetes. Your midwife will ask you about these at your booking appointment, which happens around 8-12 weeks of pregnancy. If you have any of the risk factors, youll be offered a test for gestational diabetes when youre between 24 and 28 weeks pregnant.
Gestational diabetes does not usually cause any symptoms, but some women may have some if their blood glucose levels get too high. Speak to your midwife if you have any concerns. Talk to your midwife if you think you are at risk of developing gestational diabetes, but you havent been offered a screening test.
You dont have to take the test if its offered, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
- if you have gestational diabetes, you will be offered more care during both pregnancy and labour, to help reduce the risk of problems
- for some women, gestational diabetes can be improved by changes in diet and doing more exercise
- if changes in diet and doing more exercise dont improve gestational diabetes, youll be offered medication or insulin.
I wasnt obviously skinny, but I wasnt massively obese either I had no symptoms whatsoever. I had no expectation that the test would be anything other than a formality.
Beth, mum of two
Is 28 Weeks Too Late For Glucose Test
The testing takes place between the 24th and 28th week of the pregnancy. In the first trimester, between 12 and 14 weeks of pregnancy, diabetic or gestational diabetes-prone women who have a history of either condition will be tested. In the event that the blood sugar level was very high , a glucose tolerance test lasting three hours would be carried out.
What Happens If You Dont Pass
Even if you try your best to eat well before your glucose test, some women dont pass.
Its also possible to receive a false positive. So if your test results arent in the normal range, you may not have accurate results.
Your doctor may have you repeat the blood test or take things a step further with whats called the three-hour glucose test.
Also Check: Is Chocolate Milk Good For Diabetics
Who Is At Risk For Gestational Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus during pregnancy can occur in any woman who is carrying a child. However, the likelihood of developing breast cancer increases with age for women of African, Asian, Native American, and Pacific Islander heritage who are beyond the age of 25. Heart disease is another risk factor that has been linked to an increased likelihood of developing GD.
If I Have Gestational Diabetes How Will It Be Treated
Treating gestational diabetes comes down to one key factor: controlling your blood sugar. The goal is to manage your blood glucose level so that it doesnt go too high and stay high. This is accomplished by eating wisely, remaining physically active, and if needed taking medication to help keep your blood sugar levels in your target range.
The importance of treating gestational diabetes gained attention following the Hyperglycemia and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes trial, which demonstrated a direct link between continuous treatment of the maternal glucose levels and reducing negative outcomes.²
Also Check: Is Type 2 Diabetes Serious
How Does Gestational Diabetes Affect Any Future Pregnancies
If you have had gestational diabetes, you are more likely to have it again in future pregnancies. For that reason, a test for gestational diabetes will be performed early in any future pregnancy. If this test gives a negative result within the recommended range, then another pregnancy OGTT will be done again later in the pregnancy to make sure your blood glucose levels are still in the recommended range.
Who Needs To Have Glucose Tolerance Testing In Pregnancy
All pregnant people are advised to be screened for their risk of GDM. Anyone is at risk of developing GDM but youre at increased risk if:
- Your BMI is obese
- You have a family history of diabetes
- There is a high HbA1C test result in your early antenatal blood work
- You are aged over 35, and particularly if you are over 40
- You had GDM in a previous pregnancy
- You are having a multiple pregnancy with twins or triplets
- You have polycystic ovarian syndrome
- Are of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, Melanesian, Polynesian, Indian subcontinent, Middle Eastern or Asian background.
If youre high risk you can skip the glucose challenge test and go straight to diagnostic glucose tolerance testing.
Recommended Reading: Healthy Snacks For Diabetic Kids
What Are The Complications Of Gestational Diabetes
If your blood sugar levels remain high during your pregnancy, this may lead to pregnancy problems such as a large baby, miscarriage or stillbirth. Having a large baby can lead to complications and injury during the birth, and increase the chances of having intervention in labour such as a caesarean birth. But the baby will not be born with diabetes.
If you have gestational diabetes, you are at higher risk of developing high blood pressure while you are pregnant and a 50% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future. Your baby is also at greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes in later life.
To reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes:
- keep to a healthy weight
- eat a healthy diet
- be physically active
- check your blood glucose levels
You can also call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 to speak to a maternal child health nurse for advice and support.
Screening For Gestational Diabetes
During your first antenatal appointment at around week 8 to 12 of your pregnancy, your midwife or doctor will ask you some questions to determine whether you’re at an increased risk of gestational diabetes.
If you have 1 or more risk factors for gestational diabetes you should be offered a screening test.
The screening test is called an oral glucose tolerance test , which takes about 2 hours.
It involves having a blood test in the morning, when you have not had any food or drink for 8 to 10 hours . You’re then given a glucose drink.
After resting for 2 hours, another blood sample is taken to see how your body is dealing with the glucose.
The OGTT is done when you’re between 24 and 28 weeks pregnant. If you’ve had gestational diabetes before, you’ll be offered an OGTT earlier in your pregnancy, soon after your booking appointment, then another OGTT at 24 to 28 weeks if the first test is normal.
Find out more about an OGTT.
Don’t Miss: Does High Glucose Mean Diabetes
What Is A Glucose Screening Test
A glucose tolerance test, or glucose screening test, is usually done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. This is not a fasting test. You’ll be given a 50 gram glucose solution that must be drunk within five minutes it tastes a bit like syrupy flat soda. An hour after you’ve finished drinking the beverage, a blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm, and the glucose level is analyzed.
If the test result is abnormal, you’ll be given an additional confirmatory test called the three-hour glucose test. Unlike the first glucose tolerance test, which is for screening purposes, the three-hour test is a diagnostic tool for gestational diabetes.
How Gestational Diabetes Can Affect Your Pregnancy
Most women with gestational diabetes have otherwise normal pregnancies with healthy babies.
However, gestational diabetes can cause problems such as:
- your baby growing larger than usual this may lead to difficulties during the delivery and increases the likelihood of needing induced labour or a caesarean section
- polyhydramnios too much amniotic fluid in the womb, which can cause premature labour or problems at delivery
- premature birth giving birth before the 37th week of pregnancy
- pre-eclampsia a condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy and can lead to pregnancy complications if not treated
- your baby developing low blood sugar or yellowing of the skin and eyes after he or she is born, which may require treatment in hospital
- the loss of your baby though this is rare
Having gestational diabetes also means youre at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
Recommended Reading: Can You Go Blind From Diabetic Retinopathy
Do I Need To Be Fasting For The Pregnancy Glucose Test
You do not need to be fasting for the traditional 1 hour test.
However, there is a 2 hour 75-gram glucose test that can be done.
For the 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test, you need to be fasting, and you have to have your blood sugar level taken three times.
The first blood test will look at your fasting glucose, then you will get two more blood tests done. Once after an hour, and again after 2 hours.
Most OBGYN providers use the 1-hour test.
How Do I Pass The Glucose Tolerance Test In Pregnancy
In many countries, its recommended you pay specific attention to your diet in the three days prior to your GTT, and make sure you have a balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in each meal.
Here are some great examples of healthy, balanced breakfast ideas to help keep blood glucose levels stable.
Don’t Miss: How To Gain Weight With Diabetes
What Is The 2
In some cases, the 2-hour glucose tolerance test may be used in place of the 1-hour glucose tolerance test during pregnancy, and the protocol is basically the same. You fast overnight and then go to the lab in the morning to give a blood sample. Then, you drink a 75-gram glucose solution. One hour and two hours after consumption blood draws are taken to measure the blood glucose.
If levels are higher than normal at any stage of the test, additional testing may be ordered to rule out, or definitively diagnose gestational diabetes.
The test requires at least three days of normal food consumption and activity before fasting. Smoking is not allowed during the test as results may be affected.
Is There An Alternative Way To Test For Gestational Diabetes
Yes. If you do not want to drink the glucose solution for one reason or another, there is another way we can test you for gestational diabetes.
It would involve you actually checking your blood glucose through finger sticks four times a day for an entire week. This will give us a good idea of how your body processes the foods you eat.
Again, dont try to manipulate this test in any way. For example, dont try to eat really healthy for that week, then go back to eating your normal diet the subsequent week.
Just to be safe, your health care provider may have you check your finger sticks for 2 or more additional weeks just in case.
Also Check: Is Canned Tuna Good For Diabetics
What To Eat Before Your Pregnancy Glucose Test
– Last updated: July 26, 2022
Heres what to eat before a pregnancy glucose test, which foods to avoid, and what happens if you dont pass!
If youre a first time mom you might be nervous to take your first glucose test which happens around 24 weeks of pregnancy.
But, dont fret!
This post will help relieve any fears and help you understand how to prepare and what to expect.
So, heres what to eat before a glucose test, foods to avoid, and what happens if you dont pass!
RELATED: 22 Foods To Avoid During Pregnancy
How Do You Manage Gestational Diabetes
If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it is important that you are supported and know what to do to manage it. Health professionals such as your doctor, a dietitian, a diabetes nurse educator, or sometimes, a diabetes specialist will help you understand what to do and will support you.
Family also can be a great support. It is important that your family understands gestational diabetes and how it is managed.
Management of gestational diabetes aims to keep blood glucose levels in the recommended range during pregnancy. This can prevent problems during birth and also helps reduce the babys risk of being overweight in childhood and developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
Management of gestational diabetes involves:
- monitoring blood glucose levels
- healthy eating. Referral to a dietitian is an important part of management. Often this will be organised for you via your health care team
- regular physical activity
Some women may need insulin injections to help manage their gestational diabetes.
You May Like: Insulin Syringes 31 Gauge 8mm
Are There Any Side Effects Associated With The Glucose Tests
Most pregnant women donât have any side effects during or after either glucose test. It’s possible that you may feel nauseous, lightheaded, or even sweaty after drinking the glucose solution. It tastes like a very sweet soda, which can be easier to stomach for some women than for others.Youâll need to have your blood drawn, so you might feel dizzy, and you may have slight bruising around the blood withdrawal spot, but otherwise the risks associated with these tests are minimal.
How Can I Prepare For The Three Hour Test
Honestly, I think the best thing you can do is just eat your normal diet. You shouldnt try and trick the test because if you have Gestational Diabetes, then you NEED to know so you can treat is as effectively as possible.
Some medical providers will recommend carb loading in the days leading up to the test, but for the most part, the recommendation is to just eat normally and then fast for 10-12 hours before you actually take the test.
You need to take the test as early in the morning as you can so you wont have to fast all day. Plus, if you are taking it at a lab , many of them require you start the test at 8:00 AM so you are done before the employees need to take a lunch break.
When I failed the one-hour test, I tried to limit sugar and carbs substantially and part of me wonders if that affected my results. Its easy to read into things, and I have heard that women who eat a lower-carb diet have a higher rate of a false positive. I dont know how much truth there is to that, though.
You May Like: When Do You Check Your Blood Sugar
Recommended Reading: How Do Diabetics Get Energy
Is 30 Weeks Too Late For Glucose Test
The testing takes place between the 24th and 28th week of the pregnancy. In the first trimester, between 12 and 14 weeks of pregnancy, diabetic or gestational diabetes-prone women who have a history of either condition will be tested. In the event that the blood sugar level was very high , a glucose tolerance test lasting three hours would be carried out.
What Else Should I Do To Manage Glucose Tolerance In Pregnancy
If youre diagnosed with gestational diabetes youll be given a self-testing kit to monitor your blood sugar levels at home.
The glucose test involves a small prick to your finger before and after meals. It helps you and your care team make adjustments to your diet to keep your glucose levels stable.
Youll also be offered regular ultrasound scans to assess your babys growth and placenta function.
If you cant stabilise your blood glucose levels, youll be encouraged to consider medication, to help your body use insulin more effectively. If diet and other medication arent helping, your care team can discuss injectable insulin.
Also Check: How To Use Insulin Pump Video
What Are The Complications Of Untreated Gestational Diabetes
- shoulder dystocia, which occurs when the babys shoulders to get stuck in the birth canal during delivery
- slightly higher rates of fetal and neonatal death
Untreated gestational diabetes can also result in the baby having a high birth weight. This is called macrosomia. Macrosomia may result in shoulder damage during birth and can require a cesarean delivery. Babies with macrosomia have a higher likelihood of childhood obesity and type 2 diabetes.
How To Pass The Glucose Tolerance Test In Pregnancy
So youre 24+ weeks, and you were told to take the glucose test.
If youre anxious, youre not alone.
After reading this post, youre going to learn how to pass the glucose tolerance test in pregnancy.
Specifically, youll learn:
- How to prepare for the 1 hour test, ,
- What you should eat before taking the glucose test, and
- What happens if you fail the 3 hour test.
Lets get started.
Disclaimer
***READ FIRST***
Although I am a doctor, I am not your doctor. This information is for informational purposes only and should not substitute the advice from your healthcare professional. All kinds of exercise and dietary changes are potentially dangerous, and those who do not seek counsel from the appropriate health care authority assume the liability of any injury which may occur. Please read my full Disclaimer for more information. Also, this post may contain affiliate links: meaning I may receive a commission if you use them.
Ok, moving on.
Read Also: Sugar Free Food List For Diabetics
Carbohydrates And Gestational Diabetes
Theres some evidence monitoring your carbohydrate intake in pregnancy is an effective way to control gestational diabetes without medication. The body turns carbohydrates into glucose within two hours of eating. This means your blood sugar levels are more easily affected by the carbohydrates you eat.
Most people eating a standard Western diet eat far too many simple or processed carbs and sugar. In recent years there has been a focus on improving the quality of carbs in our diets. You might have heard of low carb or keto diets and wondered whether they might help prevent or manage gestational diabetes.
Research on these diets and their effects on pregnancy is limited, due to ethics. What we do know is that eating a diet high in nutrition and reducing highly processed foods has many positive benefits for your pregnancy and growing baby.
You dont have to think of it as a restrictive diet. Instead, focus on healthy and nutritious food sources.
Carbohydrates come in many forms. Some are simple like white bread, crisps, candy and fruit juice. Others are complex such as whole grains, oats, brown rice and quinoa. Vegetables and legumes are unprocessed and whole food carbohydrates, and contain an array of important nutrients.
Fat are an important part of your diet, as your babys brain needs plenty for growth and development. Again, focus on healthy fats and avoid potato crisps and processed foods high in trans fats.
Examples of healthy lower carb foods: