Glucose Challenge Test (GCT), 1-hour post glucose
Glucose Challenge Test (GCT), 1-hour post glucose
Glucose challenge test, also known as the one-hour glucose tolerance test, determines the ability of your body to metabolize glucose. This test is used to screen for gestational diabetes (diabetes developed during pregnancy). This test is recommended for pregnant women as a part of routine investigation during 24-28 weeks of pregnancy to prevent various complications of gestational diabetes
Symptoms of gestational diabetes
Feeling more thirsty than usual
Urinating often
Weight loss
Feeling tired and weak
Having blurry vision
Having slow-healing wounds
Getting more infections
Having numb/ tingling hands or feet
Having dry skin
Who should get tested?
A glucose challenge test is recommended for pregnant women if the following risk factors are present
Pregnancy over the age of 40
Being overweight or obese
Previously delivered a baby weighing more than 4.5 kg
Previous history of gestational diabetes
Family history of diabetes
Sedentary lifestyle
History of weight loss surgery
Diagnosed with Polycystic ovary syndrome
Smoking
Test preparation
No special preparation is required before the test. Ensure your healthcare provider is aware of your medications, which might affect your test results
Interpretation of the Test Results
Results of the glucose challenge test are given in milligrams per decilitre (mg/dL) or millimoles per litre (mmol/L).
|
Parameter |
Inference |
|
Blood sugar level below 140 mg/dL(7.8 mmol/L) |
Standard |
|
Blood sugar level above 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) |
Needs further testing |
|
Blood sugar level of 190 mg/dL (10.6 mmol/L) |
Gestational diabetes |
Deviation from normal results indicate the following:
· Blood glucose (sugar) levels below 140 mg/dL are considered normal.
· Blood glucose levels above 140 mg/dL and below 190 mg/dL may indicate the need for further testing like a three-hour glucose tolerance test.
Blood glucose levels above 190 mg/dL may indicate gestational diabetes
FAQs
How is the glucose challenge test performed?
During this test, you need to drink glucola, a sweetened drink that contains 50 grams of glucose. After 1 hour, a healthcare professional will take a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle, which is collected in a test tube or vial. You are not allowed to eat and drink during this 1 hour other than a few sips of water
How long does it take for the glucose challenge test?
The glucose challenge test may take 2- 3 hours for the entire procedure, starting from the intake of sugars to blood sample collection. If you need any further information, talk to your healthcare provider.
What are the risks involved in a glucose challenge test? Answer:
This test involves negligible risk. After the consumption of sugar drinks, some individuals might feel dizziness and nausea. During the blood test, one may experience minor pain or bruising where the needle was inserted, but most symptoms will subside quickly
How long should I wait for my glucose challenge test results?
Test results will be available within one or two days. You may receive your test results via email or regular mail. You can also receive a call from the doctor's office to go over the results or to schedule a follow-up appointment
What are the complications associated with gestational diabetes?
: Undiagnosed and untreated gestational diabetes can cause various complications such as
Pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy)
Delivering an overweight baby, increases the risk of birth injuries
Need for C-section delivery
Risk of having diabetes in the baby during later stage of life
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