Friday, July 24, 2009

Gestational DIABETES TESTING

The Three-Hour Glucose Tolerance Test

Why it’s done: To confirm or rule out gestational diabetes.

When it's done: After you have received an abnormal reading on the one-hour oral glucose tolerance test.

How it's done: You must fast for 10 to 14 hours before the test. Be sure to discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor to see if they may interfere with the test results.

This test is similar to the one-hour oral glucose tolerance test, except the sugary beverage now contains 100g of glucose, not 50g. Blood is first drawn before you drink the glucola. This is called your fasting glucose level. Blood is drawn again after one hour, two hours and three hours.

What your results mean:

Abnormal readings for each section of the test are:
  • Fasting: 95 mg/dL or higher
  • One hour:180 mg/dL or higher
  • Two hours:155 mg/dL or higher
  • Three hours: 140 mg/dL or higher

Tips

  • Due to the 10- to 14-hour fast, most women schedule the test first thing in the morning.
  • Some people may feel faint or lightheaded during this test. It is a good idea to have a designated driver and to bring food to eat when the test is over.
  • Bring a magazine or book so you’ll have something to do between blood test.
To know what Gestational DIABETES is about, click SOURCE.

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