What Mothers to be Are Curious About: Why Is the Glucose Tolerance Test Done?
What Mothers to be Are Curious About: Why Is the Glucose Tolerance Test Done? What Is a Pregnancy Glucose Test? Why Is It Necessary?
Pregnancy is a special period that must be regularly monitored to ensure the health of both the mother and the baby. One of the important tests during this time is the glucose tolerance test. So, what exactly is this test, why is it done, and is it really necessary? Here's everything you need to know…
What Is the Glucose Tolerance Test?
The glucose tolerance test is performed during pregnancy to detect gestational diabetes (pregnancy-related diabetes). This test helps determine if the expectant mother has high blood sugar levels, allowing early intervention to prevent potential risks.
Gestational diabetes usually develops between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy and may disappear after childbirth. However, if left untreated, it can lead to serious health issues for both mother and baby.
How Is the Glucose Tolerance Test Performed?
50g Glucose Screening Test:
This is a screening test. The expectant mother comes to the health center on an empty stomach and drinks a liquid containing 50 grams of glucose. One hour later, a blood sugar test is done. If the result is higher than the threshold, a second test is performed to confirm the diagnosis.
100g Glucose Diagnostic Test:
If the 50g test shows high blood sugar levels, a 100g glucose tolerance test is done for diagnosis. The mother comes in fasting, and a fasting blood sugar level is measured first. Then, she drinks a liquid with 100 grams of glucose, and her blood sugar is measured at 1, 2, and 3 hours after drinking. If the results exceed certain limits, gestational diabetes is diagnosed.
75g Glucose Diagnostic Test:
In some cases, a 75g glucose test is performed directly. This is a one-step diagnostic test. The mother comes in fasting, has her blood sugar measured, then drinks a 75-gram glucose solution, and blood sugar levels are tested at 1 and 2 hours. If the results are above the thresholds, gestational diabetes is diagnosed directly.
Why Is the Glucose Test Important?
Uncontrolled high blood sugar during pregnancy can lead to:
Excessive fetal growth (macrosomia)
Preterm birth
Complications during delivery
Low blood sugar in the newborn after birth
Increased risk of type 2 diabetes for the mother later in life
Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid these risks.
Is the Glucose Test Harmful?
Although there are occasional public claims like "glucose tests harm the baby," the World Health Organization (WHO) and Obstetrics & Gynecology associations state that the glucose test is safe and necessary for both mother and baby. The amount of glucose used in the test is quickly processed by the body and does not cause lasting harm.
Who Should Take the Test?
While the test is recommended for all expectant mothers, it is especially important for those in higher risk groups, including:
Pregnant women over 35 years old
Those with a family history of diabetes
Women who have previously delivered a large baby
Those who had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
Individuals with obesity
In Conclusion:
The glucose tolerance test during pregnancy is a safe and essential screening tool to protect the health of both mother and baby. If your test results are high, your doctor will guide you through proper dietary changes and, if needed, a treatment plan to help ensure a healthy pregnancy.
