How do you test for Gestational Diabetes?

If you have been scheduled to have the screening for Gestational Diabetes, you may be wondering how do you test for Gestational Diabetes? This blog was written with the help of obstetrician Victoria Medland and explores the testing process for GDM.

Who is offered testing for Gestational Diabetes?

In the UK women with certain risk factors are offered the test to detect Gestational Diabetes. To read about these risk factors and to learn more about exactly what Gestational Diabetes is, head to our blog here. 

What does the screening process for Gestational Diabetes involve?

The diabetes screening process usually involves a test at around 28 weeks. If you have previously had Gestational Diabetes, you may be offered the test earlier in pregnancy. Alternatively you may be given a sugar testing kit to check sugars yourself. It is very common to have gestational diabetes again if you had it in your previous pregnancy. This is why usually if you have had it before, you will be asked to start taking your blood sugars sooner rather than later.

What is a Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT)?

A GTT stands for a glucose tolerance test. The test requires having no breakfast and having a blood test to look at fasting blood glucose. This is measuring how much sugar is floating around your blood when you have had no food. You then drink a sugary drink and sit still for 2 hours. The blood test is then repeated to look at how your body handles sugar and if you are producing enough insulin to take the sugar out of your blood.

How soon will I get the results?

The results are then available about 24 hours later. If they are abnormal you will be referred to the Diabetes Antenatal Clinic. Here you will be seen by a team of Obstetricians, Diabetes Doctors and Specialist Midwives, and Dieticians. You will be taught how and when you check your blood sugars, and given a means of recording it so the pattern of results can be checked by the team in clinic.

Does Gestational Diabetes mean that I am more likely to have diabetes after pregnancy?

There is a 50% chance of developing type 2 diabetes in the next 5 years. Your GP should offer you a further test for diabetes at your postnatal check (usually around 6-8 weeks). The test will then be offered annually thereafter.

If you are wondering what treatment options are available for controlling Gestational Diabetes, head here to our next blog in our GDM series.