The glucose challenge test measures blood sugar levels in pregnant women to identify gestational diabetes. It involves drinking a sweet glucose solution and having a blood sample taken. A normal blood glucose level is below 130-140 mg/dL, and a higher level may indicate gestational diabetes.
A glucose challenge test (GCT), also called an hour glucose screening test, 50 gram glucose test, or gestational glucose screening test, is a test that measures women’s blood sugar levels in pregnancy. It can also be used to assess the body’s ability to metabolize blood sugar or glucose for use by different cells within the body. Some pregnant women are prone to developing high blood sugar levels during pregnancy, the condition also known as gestational diabetes. In order to identify pregnant women with gestational diabetes, obstetricians often require their patients to undergo routine testing. Other obstetricians may only test pregnant women with a strong family history of diabetes or those with an increased risk of developing the disease, including those who are obese.
Pregnant women are usually advised to have the GCT between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy, sometimes earlier. The test is often done in a laboratory or clinic and usually requires no prior preparation. Most medical professionals will instruct their patients to stop certain medications if there is a chance they will interfere with test results.
During the test, the woman is given 50 grams (about 1.8 ounces) of glucose solution, usually orange flavored, to drink within minutes. The solution is typically very sweet and may induce nausea and vomiting in some pregnant women. If the woman vomits, the glucose challenge test is often rescheduled to another date. About an hour after you drink the solution, a blood sample is taken from your arm or from a finger prick. Through that blood sample, the sugar level is then measured and compared to the normal value.
A normal blood glucose level generally falls below 130 to 140 mg/dL (7.2 to 7.8 mmol/L). If a woman’s sugar level drops to around 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) or higher, it could indicate that she has developed gestational diabetes. To confirm the elevated result, obstetricians may request another test, such as the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), which is usually scheduled for another day. This is because not all high achieving women may actually have gestational diabetes. The OGTT involves fasting, consuming a glucose solution, and then taking blood samples one, two, and three hours later.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
