Gestational Diabetes Diagnosis

Gestational Diabetes is a temporary condition of woman during pregnancy. Glucose level in the blood increased which causes Gestational Diabetes. It will disappear after baby's birth. It is risky for a baby and mother if not managed properly.

Women with Gestational Diagnosis do not exhibit any symptoms. However there are some factors which put them at risk of Gestational Diagnosis. They are

If a woman is at high risk, doctor recommend glucose screening test as soon as possible. Other wise it is conducted during 24 to 28 week. In glucose screening test (also called glucose challenge test), you are asked to drink 50 grams glucose. After one hour, doctor will take blood test to find out amount of glucose in blood. If it is below 140 mg/dl then you are not diabetic. If amount of glucose in blood is more than 200 mg/dl then doctor confirm that you have gestational diabetes.

If result of test is in between 140- 200 mg/dl, then you need another test called oral glucose tolerance test and 3 hour glucose tolerance test. Prior to 3 hour glucose tolerance test, you have to eat 150 grams of carbohydrates for 3 days. Before test, do not eat or drink anything except water at least for 10-14 hours.

First your blood sample test is taken to measure your fasting blood glucose level. Next you have to drink 100 grams of glucose which is very sweet. Then again three blood samples are taken after each hour and amount of glucose is measured. Following are the normal readings for the 3 hour glucose tolerance test.

Fasting 95 mg/dl
1 hour 180 mg/dl
2 hour 155 mg/dl
3 hour 140 mg/dl

If any 2 or more readings are higher than normal reading then you have diagnosed for Gestational Diabetes.

Balanced diet, regular exercise, regular glucose monitoring and insulin therapy (if needed) will keep glucose level within normal range.