What does the Glucose Tolerance Test involve for gestational diabetes

What is Glucose Tolerance Test in gestational diabetes?

What is Glucose Tolerance Test in gestational diabetes?

To screen for gestational diabetes, your doctor may recommend an oral glucose tolerance test. Prior to the test, you’ll need to fast for 8 hours or overnight, during which a baseline blood sugar level will be measured. Following this, you’ll be instructed to consume a sweetened liquid containing 50g of sugar. This sugar is quickly absorbed, causing blood sugar levels to rise within 30-60 minutes. Blood samples will then be drawn every hour for three hours to assess blood sugar levels. If at least two of these readings exceed the normal expected values, a diagnosis of gestational diabetes will be made. However, if only one value is elevated, the test may need to be repeated for confirmation.