What is pregnancy glucose tolerance test (GTT) ?

Pregnancy Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)

What is the glucose test?

A routine test during Pregnancy Glucose Test pregnancy that checks a pregnant woman's blood sugar level,
which can be done by taking blood samples up to four times after consumption of the sugar at different time points.
This test is more substantial indicator of diabetes than finger prick testing,
and It can tell whether you are at risk for diabetes or if you already have it.
If you are going to have a baby it's usually recommended that you have this test between weeks 24 and 28 of your pregnancy.
There is no risk to you or your baby when undertaking the pregnancy glucose tolerance test.
If you gain more weight than is usual during pregnancy, this may be a sign of gestational diabetes, according to
the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases(NIDDK).

How the pregnancy glucose tolerance test (GTT) is performed?

•  Before having the test, make sure that you don't take some medications that can interfere with the results,
  such as corticosteroids, beta-blockers, diuretics, and antidepressants. If you do, it's important to tell your doctor about it.


•  Speak to your doctor if you follow any exercise regimes, or if you have health conditions.


• Don't eat or drink anything (other than water) for 8 to 14 hours before your glucose (GTT) test.
  (coffee and caffeinated tea, because they can interfere with the results).


• You will be asked to drink about 8 ounces (237 milliliters) of glucose that contains 3.5 ounces (100 grams) of sugar,


• but this drink has side effects include vomiting, headache, nausea, bloating, and low blood sugar (rarely).


• You may need to provide a urine sample, so avoid going to the bathroom just before the procedure.


• The Pregnancy glucose tolerance test could take up to 3 hours.

The results of pregnancy glucose tolerance test:

As insulin moves glucose into your cells, your blood glucose level should go back to normal.
The results of the pregnancy glucose tolerance test are given in
milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) :

1. Fasting glucose level less than 90 mg/dL,
   one-hour glucose level less than 130 to 140 mg/dL,
   and two-hour glucose level less than 120 mg/dL are normal results.


2.  Fasting glucose level greater than 95 mg/dL,
   one-hour glucose level greater than 140 mg/dL,
   and two-hour glucose level greater than 120 mg/dL are abnormal results.

After the glucose tolerance test , you can eat and drink as normal,
you may also bring a snack you can eat after the (GTT) test is completed.
Actually, you can return to your usual activities immediately.

Also, you can read What reasons for a negative pregnancy test?

Undoubtedly,

• you will be asked to test again on a different day if your results show higher-than-normal glucose levels.


• For diabetes, your doctor may recommend that you take more tests before they make a diagnosis,
  and for prediabetes or diabetes, they'll recommend that you make diet and exercise changes.


• They may also prescribe diabetes medications as needed.


• Throughout the rest of your pregnancy, you can prevent complications by managing your blood glucose level
  carefully if you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes.