It is hard to imagine that something as simple as a diabetes blood test can prevent the devastating consequences of gestational diabetes, but it can.
Called a gestational diabetes test, taking a sample of blood can tell a woman if she has diabetes. This form of diabetes is developed in women who become pregnant even if she has never had it before and is not considered a risk of developing it.
On being confirmed pregnant, a gynaecologist should conduct a gestational diabetes test as a matter of form. This is a simple matter of taking a drop of blood and testing it, yet the repercussions of not conducting this gestational diabetes test are enormous.
Gestational Diabetes happens in about 5% of all pregnancies and the gestational diabetes test is done when the pregnancy is about 24-28 weeks along. Although the gestational diabetes test is done on those women who are considered even an average risk for developing gestational diabetes, it should be done on all women who are pregnant.
Approaching The Gestational Diabetes Test
There are two approaches to the gestational diabetes test. A woman should do fasting for 4 to 8 hours before her blood sugar test. This will be done again, 2 hours after she drinks a sugar drink. This type of Gestational Diabetes Test is called an ‘oral glucose tolerance test.’
The second step entails measuring blood 1 hour after drinking a sugar drink, if her blood sugar is normal at this stage, she probably does not have gestational diabetes.The ‘oral glucose tolerance test is required if a woman the blood sugar level is high during the gestational diabetes test.’
The gestational diabetes test will not affect the baby in any way; in fact Gestational Diabetes itself will not affect the baby if the mother controls her blood sugar, eats healthily, does some exercise and keeps her weight under control.
Women need to stay healthy during their pregnancy and manage their diabetes, so it is important that they continue their Gestational Diabetes Tests throughout as this will tell how much sugar they have in their blood. They need to eat a healthy diet and reduce their carbohydrate intake as carbohydrates affect blood sugar.
They are advised to keep a daily record with regard to their diet, exercise and glucose levels as this will help track how well their treatment is working and what to change if need be.
Tags: Gestational diabetes, gestational diabetes test, glucose levels
