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The sugar curve is a colloquial term, expertly referred to in medicine as the oral glucose load test (OGTT). The sugar curve in pregnancy is one of the mandatory tests that the expectant mother must perform. By performing the Sugar Curve in Pregnancy, blood glucose levels are tested, which helps to diagnose or rule out diabetes in pregnancy. When should a pregnancy sugar curve be performed? What is the sugar curve and how to correctly interpret the result?
Sugar curve in pregnancy – when to do the test?
One of the most important and most frequently determined parameters in pregnant women is blood glucose concentration. The first blood glucose test during pregnancy should be done at the very beginning, in the first trimester around 9-10. week of pregnancy. Gestational diabetes mellitus in pregnant women is diagnosed between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. Therefore, making a sugar curve is an obligatory test, which is performed at the appointed risk date for GDM diagnosis. If the blood glucose test exceeded the normal range during the first test, this indicates pre-existing, but undiagnosed diabetes. If, on the other hand, the first result was normal and the glucose curve shows a glucose disturbance, then GDM may be suspected. In this case, a pregnant woman should immediately consult a diabetologist.
Sugar curve in pregnancy – specific indications for the test
As already mentioned, making a sugar curve during pregnancy is obligatory. It is worth noting, however, that there are certain factors that can significantly influence the occurrence of gestational diabetes in expectant mothers. Among these factors, attention is drawn to:
- pregnancy over the age of 35;
- high blood pressure;
- overweight and obesity;
- gestational diabetes that has occurred in previous pregnancies;
- positive family history of type 2 diabetes;
- Polycystic ovary syndrome;
- previous pregnancies and giving birth to large children weighing more than 4500 g.
- developmental defects found in previous pregnancies
Sugar curve in pregnancy – what is the test?
There is no need to prepare yourself for the sugar curve during pregnancy. However, low-carbohydrate diets should not be used, as this may slightly distort the test result. Before the test, you should simply follow a normal diet, and come on an empty stomach for the test. Sugar curve testing is complex and takes slightly longer than other standard tests. It must be remembered that some laboratories require patients to have their own glucose doses, which can be purchased at any pharmacy. First, the patient’s fasting glucose is tested. The patient then drinks a solution of 75 g of glucose. Two hours later, the blood glucose is tested again. Sometimes an additional measurement is also made one hour after consuming the solution. It is worth remembering to go to the examination with an accompanying person. Many women feel faint and nauseous after drinking a glucose solution.
Sugar curve in pregnancy – norms and interpretation of results
Normal fasting glucose is less than 100 mg / dL. Two hours after drinking the glucose solution, the norm is less than 140 mg / dl. If the test result shows a result greater than 140 mg / dL, you are probably pregnant with gestational diabetes. The result should always be consulted with the attending physician, and then with a diabetologist.
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