by EBSCO Medical Review Board

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is diagnosed with a screening test that is given to all people who are pregnant. Those who are at high risk may need to be screened right away. If the screening is negative, another test will be done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

All other pregnant people will be given the screening test between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

A pregnant woman who already has diabetes does not need to be screened.

Glucose Test

A person does not need to fast before the glucose test. A special glucose drink will be given. One hour later, blood glucose levels will be tested to look for changes.

3-Hour Glucose Tolerance Test

People who have a high blood glucose screening test may need to have a 3-hour glucose tolerance test. The person will not be able to eat or drink for 8 to 14 hours before the test. Blood will be drawn before the test. A special glucose drink will be given. Blood will be drawn every hour for 3 more hours to look for changes.

References

Gestational diabetes. American Diabetes Association website. Available at: https://www.diabetes.org/diabetes/gestational-diabetes. Accessed May 10, 2022.

Gestational diabetes. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/gestational. Accessed May 10, 2022.

Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/gestational-diabetes-mellitus-gdm. Accessed May 10, 2022.

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