How is the glucose challenge screening test performed?
This oral glucose challenge test is given in a lab or in your doctor or midwife’s office. Mothers are given an oral solution (containing 50g of glucose) to drink, followed by another solution (with plasma glucose) an hour later. A sample of the mother’s blood is then taken. Results are available in one day. Do I need to fast for the 1 hour glucose challenge screening? Fasting is not required for the first one hour challenge screening test. What if I fail the one hour oral glucose challenge for gestational diabetes? A result of 140mg or higher on the 1 hour challenge screening is considered to be a “positive screen.” The mother will then be tested in a 3 hour glucose tolerance diagnostic test.(OGTT) The three hour OGTT requires an overnight fast. For 3 days prior to the overnight fast, the mother should eat a normal diet (including at least 150g of carbohydrates). It is best to avoid caffeine and smoking since they can raise the level of glucose in the bloodstream. Read on • Signs of Ge
