Glucose Tolerance Test for Pregnant Women
A glucose tolerance test for pregnant women is a specialized laboratory examination used to screen for and diagnose gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).
The examination can detect carbohydrate metabolism disorders that occur only during pregnancy and can be hazardous for both the mother and the fetus.
The analysis is performed strictly on an empty stomach and includes measuring blood glucose levels before and after a carbohydrate load.
Why is the analysis performed ?
A glucose tolerance test during pregnancy is prescribed for:
- screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM);
- assessing carbohydrate metabolism in pregnant women who are overweight or obese, have metabolic syndrome, or have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS);
- examination in the presence of a family history of type 2 diabetes mellitus;
- repeat diagnosis on referral from a doctor if GDM is suspected at any stage of pregnancy.
How the test is performed
- Blood sampling on an empty stomach (after 8-12 hours of fasting).
- Solution intake: 75 g of glucose dissolved in 300 ml of water, to be drunk within 5 minutes.
- Repeated blood sampling: 60 minutes and 120 minutes after the load.