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If you’re approaching the midpoint of your pregnancy, chances are you’ve heard about the gestational diabetes test (a.k.a. glucose test) that every pregnant person gets. Before you schedule your appointment and head off to the lab, here’s what you need to know about gestational diabetes testing—plus a little extra info because we know you want to know it all. What is gestational diabetes?Gestational diabetes (or GDM) is a condition where a pregnant person’s body can’t properly regulate the level of glucose (sugar) in their blood, so it gets unhealthily high. This is mainly due to the hormones and weight gain of pregnancy and should go away after you deliver. “While it doesn’t mean that you had diabetes before you conceived or that you will have diabetes after you give birth, we know that type 2 diabetes occurs more frequently in women after they have had GDM,” says Laura Hieronymus, doctor of nursing practice and VP of health care programs at the American Diabetes Association. That’s just one reason why gestational diabetes is important to detect, but also because it can lead to complications for both parent and baby, including high birth weight, preterm birth and health problems later in life. The CDC estimates that 2% to 10% of pregnant people develop gestational diabetes, but even if you think you aren’t at risk, the symptoms can be tough to detect. That’s why every pregnant person gets a gestational diabetes test for each pregnancy. When do you test for gestational diabetes?The glucose test for gestational diabetes happens around 24 weeks to 28 weeks of pregnancy. But your healthcare provider may suggest that it be done sooner if you have a history of diabetes in your family or if you’ve been diagnosed as prediabetic in the past. What are the types of gestational diabetes tests?There are two strategies for gestational diabetes testing: a “one-step” strategy and a “two-step” strategy, Hieronymus says. They both involve having blood drawn before and after drinking a sweet glucose drink, but they differ slightly in the amount of blood drawn, the amount of fasting required and the amount of time they take. The one you end up with most likely depends on your healthcare provider and the lab they work with. Here are the steps for each strategy, according to Hieronymus: One-step strategy:
Two step strategy: Step One (the “glucose challenge test” or “one-hour glucose tolerance test”):
Step Two (the “glucose tolerance test” or “three-hour test”):
What to eat before the gestational diabetes testWhether you’re doing the one-step strategy or the two-step strategy, there’s going to be some fasting involved at some point. If you’re instructed to fast, don’t eat anything for at least eight hours before your test. You can drink water if you’re fasting, but no coffee, tea or any other drinks, Hieronymus says. If you’re not instructed to fast (i.e. you’re doing the one-hour glucose challenge test), you should eat your regular diet, so that if you’re required to do an initial blood draw, it’s as close to what it would normally be as possible. How to pass the gestational diabetes testPeople sometimes ask how to pass the glucose tolerance test. But here’s the truth: there’s no passing or failing. If you’re diabetic, the results will reflect that—and truly, that’s important for you and your baby, so you can get the treatment you need to prevent problems. And if you’re not, you’re not. So no trying to cheat the system here. Tips on Taking the Glucose Tolerance Test
Gestational Diabetes TreatmentIf you get diagnosed with gestational diabetes, it’s not the end of the world. But you will have to stay on top of things to keep yourself and your baby healthy. “Untreated [gestational diabetes] is unhealthy for a woman and her baby, [so] it is essential to start treatment quickly,” Hieronymus says. “The treatment for [gestational diabetes] aims to keep blood glucose levels equal to those of pregnant women who don’t have [gestational diabetes].” Gestational diabetes treatment includes:
Hopefully, this information helps put your mind at ease as you prepare for your gestational diabetes test. Sources:
This information is provided for educational and entertainment purposes only. We do not accept any responsibility for any liability, loss or risk, personal or otherwise, incurred as a consequence, directly or indirectly, from any information or advice contained here. Babylist may earn compensation from affiliate links in this content. Learn more about how we write Babylist content and the Babylist Health Advisory Board. How long does a gestational diabetes test take?Screening for gestational diabetes
The screening test is called an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), which takes about 2 hours. It involves having a blood test in the morning, when you have not had any food or drink for 8 to 10 hours (though you can usually drink water, but check with the hospital if you're unsure).
When do gestational diabetes results come back?Results: These should be available in a few days. If the reading is too high, which happens an estimated 15 to 23 percent of the time, you'll be asked to return for a three-hour glucose tolerance test (see below) to see whether you have gestational diabetes.
How long does 3 hour gestational diabetes results take?This test may take up to four hours to complete. Activity can interfere with the results so you will need to remain in the lab for the duration of the test. Consider bringing something to read or a project to work on while waiting. You may drink water so feel free to bring your own cup or water bottle.
How long do 1 hour glucose test results take?Results are obtained in 3-4 days. If the results are abnormal, you will be notified and a follow-up 3 hour glucola test is indicated.
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How long does it take to get gestational diabetes results
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