Last Updated on November 14, 2022 by Dr. Shikha Shiromani
A woman must undergo an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes. This test will determine the ability of the body to utilize blood sugar or glucose.
What is OGTT?
The most sensitive test for diagnosing gestational diabetes and pre-diabetes is Oral Glucose Tolerance Test or OGTT. However, this test is not routinely recommended as it is inconvenient compared to other tests. For this test, first, you need a fasting blood glucose test, and then you need to drink a 75-gram liquid glucose solution. Following this, after two hours, a second blood glucose level is measured.
When is OGTT performed for gestational diabetes?
In order to screen for gestational diabetes, the OGTT is routinely performed at 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. However, if you have a history of gestational diabetes, one OGTT is done earlier in the pregnancy, and then another OGTT is done at 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy if the first test is normal.
The blood glucose level is measured before and at one, two, and three hours respectively after drinking the solution. For diagnosing gestational diabetes, this test requires drinking a 50-gram glucose solution with a blood glucose level drawn one hour later. A second OGTT is performed on another day after drinking a 100-gram glucose solution for women with abnormally elevated blood glucose levels.
What can a woman eat before testing for gestational diabetes?
A pregnant woman must not consume a diet that is super rich in sugar. She must also not skip meals altogether. Instead, make sure to consume a balance of healthy carbs and protein the night before the glucose test. Since you need to fast for 3 hour-OGTT, you have to not eat or drink anything for the 8 hours (mostly overnight) prior to the test. However, for the initial glucose challenge test, you don’t need to fast and can consume a normal diet. For this test, you will need to consume glucose, and your blood sugar levels will be tested after one hour.
A woman must undergo an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to confirm gestational diabetes. This test will determine the ability of the body to utilize blood sugar or glucose.
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