Diabetic Supplies Blog

Glucose Tests for Expecting Mothers

When an expecting mother is between twenty four and twenty eight weeks into the pregnancy it is usually suggested that she go through screening for gestational diabetes. Diabetes is a syndrome in which the glucose in the body is not properly broken down; a natural hormone called insulin produced within the body is responsible for changing the form of glucose, but some people may develop problems with the level of insulin in their bodies or with their body’s resistance to the effects of insulin.

The 1 hour glucose test is not a conclusive test, but it allows you to screen for gestational diabetes. What is the 1 hour glucose test like?

Generally you can arrive for the test at any time of the day without having to worry about fasting or your recent diet. You drink a 50 gm high glucose solution (usually there are different flavors like cola, orange and lemon / lime available). You then wait for an hour before having a blood sample taken by the nurse, and if your glucose is above a certain level you will be called back for the more definitive 3 hour glucose test.

Points of the 1 hour glucose test:

• The 1 hour glucose test requires no fasting
• After drinking a glucose rich solution and waiting one hour a blood sample is taken
• Is a screening, not a definitive test

Points of the 3 hour glucose test:

• For the 3 hour glucose test you need to fast for the night before (usually the test is early in the morning)
• Blood and urine samples are taken every hour for three hours after drinking a glucose solution
• Can diagnose for gestational diabetes

Only around a third of the people who rate positive on the 1 hour glucose test are actually diagnosed with diabetes. Diabetes can pose health risks for the baby, so make sure that you take the necessary tests to see whether or not you need to take special care.