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.

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Gestational DIABETES TESTING

The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

Why it's done: The oral glucose tolerance test (also known as the glucose challenge screening) is routine for all pregnant women. It is far from definitive, so don't worry if you get a call that you need to come back for a follow-up test.


When it's done: During weeks 24 through 28 of pregnancy, or earlier if you have any risk factors.

How it's done: There is little you can do to prepare for this test. During the test, you will drink glucola, a sugary beverage containing 50g of glucose. Your doctor will draw your blood one hour later to see how efficiently your body processes the glucose. Some women may feel nauseated from the sugary beverage.

What your results mean: If your one-hour plasma glucose level is greater than or equal to 140 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) -- some doctors place the cutoff at 130 mg/dL -- gestational diabetes is suspected and further testing is recommended. If your one-hour plasma glucose level is less than 120 mg/dL, you likely do not have gestational diabetes.

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