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                                       Get Your Glucose Screening Test Questions Answered

A glucose screening test is an important step in determining whether or not a pregnant woman has gestational diabetes.  If gestational diabetes continues to progress untreated, many health risks may affect the mother and the unborn child.  A glucose screening test can be the difference between a healthy term and one that may have problems that lead up to the pregnancy itself and thereafter.

What is a glucose challenge test?

Unlike the oral glucose tolerance test, a pregnant woman is not required to change any habits prior to the test.  She will basically be required to drink a liquid that contains a certain amount of glucose (50 grams).  After an hour, blood will be drawn to determine the blood sugar level .  A positive test may not necessarily mean that she has gestational diabetes, but an oral glucose tolerance test will be needed.  The OGGT will reveal whether or not the pregnant mother has gestational diabetes.

When is it taken?

It is recommended that a pregnant woman be tested between the 24th and the 28th week of pregnancy.  A test that is done any earlier may not reveal if the signs of gestational diabetes are present.  The glucose screening test (often called a glucose challenge) can lead to a second test, an oral glucose tolerance test (OGGT), if the pregnant woman tests positive. 

Why is it taken?

Gestational diabetes is a common problem with pregnant women-about 1 in every 20 women who are pregnant will develop gestational diabetes.  Complications of gestational diabetes include, but are not limited to, problems during the delivery (due to the infant's large size), the possibility of developing diabetes in the future, slightly increased risk of newborn death and symptoms of diabetes in the newborn.

Who is at risk?

All pregnant women are at risk for gestational diabetes, but some are more at risk than others. 

  •  A family history of diabetes
  •  Previously given birth to a large baby (9 lbs. or more)
  •  African American, Hispanic or Native American descent
  •  Weight is an issue (obesity)
  •  Pregnancy when age 25 or older
  •  Miscarriage or complications with a previous pregnancy

Symptoms of gestational diabetes

Some cases may include many symptoms and some none at all, depending on the individual.  Symptoms include, but are not limited to, drowsiness, problems with vision, issues with infections (vaginal area), nausea and vomiting, increased level of thirst and headaches.

Gestational diabetes creates many complications for both the mother and the unborn child.  A glucose screening test can identify the condition before it creates any complications that will jeopardize the health of the mother and the unborn.  A glucose challenge test is a quick and painless method of identifying problems with the body processing glucose.  Keep in mind that a positive result doesn't necessarily mean that the individual has gestational diabetes, but it does mean the pregnant woman is at risk and further tests should be taken.  With so many problems that are involved with pregnancy, it is important to eliminate the risk of gestational diabetes.  A glucose screening test is a great place to start-to prevent problems during pregnancy with the unborn child and the mother, and also to prevent any future complications with the mother after the pregnancy.


 


                             
                                                                  












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