What is 3 hour glucose tolerance test in pregnancy?

(May 27, 2010)

Glucose Tolerance Test In Pregnancy

The 3 hour glucose test in pregnancy is used as a diagnostic tool for gestational diabetes. It is generally required only if a one-hour or two-hour test shows that you may have gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a temporary condition and is the result of an inadequate secretion or the impaired usage of the hormone insulin. While the results of a one hour or two hour test may not be definite, the results of the 3 hour glucose tolerance test in pregnancy are considered to be reliable. If you have tested positive for elevated blood glucose levels on the one or two hour tests, your doctor will probably recommended the 3 hour glucose test. This test is done at week 28 in most cases but if your parents, siblings, or other family members have suffered from diabetes, you may be required to take the test earlier. This may also be needed if a routine urine test shows elevated urine sugar levels. It is not uncommon for a woman to show elevated sugar levels during a screening test but still clear this test.

There are various variations of the 3 hour glucose tolerance test in pregnancy and so you may or may not be required to fast. You will then be given a glass of extremely sweet syrup, liquid, juice, or jelly beans. You cannot sip on this drink leisurely but instead have to down it in less than five minutes or so. After 1 hour, 2 hours, and 3 hours, your doctor or the technician will take blood samples, either from a vein or with a fingerstick. It generally takes about a week to receive the results from your test. The acceptable blood glucose levels for this test will vary depending on the amount of glucose ingested. If you have had 100g of glucose, your fasting blood glucose level should not be above 95mg/dl. One hour after having the glucose solution, your blood glucose level should be 180mg/dl or lower and after 2 hours, your blood glucose level should be less than 155mg/dl. The last test sample after 3 hours should register a blood glucose level of 140 mg/dl or lower.

Your doctor will be able to advise you as to how to control gestational diabetes and your blood sugar levels. In most cases, doctors refrain from prescribing medications and instead offer dietary tips that help to check gestational diabetes. You will also need to take regular tests to ensure that your blood sugar levels are not rising.

Submitted by P T on May 27, 2010 at 01:52