Table of Contents
Introduction
The Glucose Challenge Test (GCT) is a routine prenatal screening test done during pregnancy to assess the risk of gestational diabetes in a woman.
A glucose test during pregnancy is a common routine, as any pregnant woman can develop gestational diabetes.
So, getting tested for this condition can help the healthcare providers advise the necessary steps to reduce potential risks for both the mother and baby.
Why is GCT done during pregnancy?
The Glucose Challenge Test (GCT) is a routine prenatal screening test done during pregnancy to assess the risk of gestational diabetes.
A glucose test during pregnancy is important as any pregnant woman can develop gestational diabetes. In order to manage the symptoms, it is essential for all pregnant mothers to take the test without fail.
Why is GCT done during pregnancy?
The glucose challenge test (GCT) is performed during pregnancy primarily to screen for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
GDM is a condition when the body develops glucose intolerance during pregnancy.
The placenta produces hormones like estrogen, cortisol, and human placental lactogen.
These hormones can make it harder for the body to use insulin properly, leading to higher blood sugar levels.
A pregnancy sugar test is crucial for identifying women who may develop diabetes during pregnancy. If left untreated, this condition can pose risks to both the mother and the baby.
The other significant reasons to conduct the GCT include:
Prevent complications
Early detection of high blood sugar levels during pregnancy can help prevent complications like high blood pressure, early delivery, and the need for a C-section.
Protect the baby
It ensures the baby stays healthy by reducing the risk of high birth weight, low blood sugar level, respiratory syndrome, or even stillbirth during delivery.
Monitor the mother’s health
The glucose test during pregnancy helps monitor the mother’s health, as untreated gestational diabetes can lead to type 2 diabetes later in life.
When is GCT performed during pregnancy?
The glucose test during pregnancy is performed at the end of the second trimester or in the first few weeks of the third trimester (i.e., between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy).
This is because gestational diabetes usually develops around 24 weeks of pregnancy.
However, your gynecologist can suggest an earlier diagnosis (during the first trimester) if you have the following risk factors:
- Obesity
- Over 40 years
- High blood sugar before pregnancy (prediabetic)
- Family history of diabetes (particularly type 2)
- PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
- Delivered an overweight baby (<4 kg) in a previous delivery
How do I prepare for a Glucose Challenge Test?
There is no need for any special preparation before taking a glucose challenge test during pregnancy.
You can eat a light meal with less sugar content before you go for the screening test.
In addition, it is recommended that you stay well hydrated and inform the doctor about any medication you are consuming.
How is the GCT done?
The GCT, also called the One-hour glucose challenge test.
The patient will be asked to drink a sugary drink containing 50 g of glucose. Then, she will need to wait for one hour for the blood sample to be collected.
Food intake is not allowed during this waiting period; however, drinking water isn’t restricted.
Following this, the collected blood sample will aid in diagnosing or ruling out gestational diabetes in a pregnant woman.
Which Glucose Test should I take during pregnancy?
Your doctor will decide on the type of glucose test to be taken. In general, many patients are prescribed a GTT, or One-hour glucose challenge test.
But for those with higher levels of blood sugar during the GCT are prescribed for GTT or Glucose tolerance test which is a 3 hour glucose test. This 3 hour glucose test requires about 8 hours of fasting.
In this test, a blood test is done after 1 hour, 2 hours and 3 hours of drinking glucose water (50 grams of glucose)and the results are noted.
The normal range after drinking the glucose solution is as follows:
- 180 mg/dL 1 hour after drinking the solution
- 155 mg/dL 2 hours after drinking the solution
- 140 mg/dL 3 hours after drinking the solution
What is the normal blood sugar level range during pregnancy?
The normal blood sugar level range during pregnancy after fasting is 90–95 mg/dL. And the normal blood sugar level one hour after drinking the glucose water is 140 mg/dL.
Results
If a woman has gestational diabetes, her glucose test results will be above the normal range. This may also happen if she does not have GDM at testing but is at risk of developing it later in pregnancy.
Hence, understanding the results of glucose testing during pregnancy is crucial for managing both prediabetes and gestational diabetes.
Prediabetes
Women who have glucose levels above 140 mg/dL and within 199 mg/dL during pregnancy are considered prediabetic.
This condition is also called Impaired Glucose Tolerance. Patients with this condition are recommended to be mindful of their diet and lifestyle to avoid any future complications.
Type 2 diabetes
Women who have a very high blood sugar level that is more than 200 mg/dL, are considered type 2 diabetics.
These patients are recommended to follow a strict diet plan, engage in physical activity, regularly monitor their blood sugar levels, and take medication or insulin, depending on the blood sugar range.
Conclusion
There’s no need to worry if gestational diabetes (GDM) is diagnosed during pregnancy. Nearly half of pregnant women experience GDM, and most recover after delivery.
A glucose test during pregnancy is essential for managing this condition, and a follow-up test two to three months after delivery can confirm if blood sugar levels have returned to normal.
If the results are normal, there’s nothing to worry about. However, if the levels are still high, prescribed medication and proper lifestyle management can help control blood sugar and ensure good health.
For appointments and consultations with the best gynecologist in Chennai Dr. Deepthi Jammi, Contact Jammi Scans at 7338771733.
