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What is glycosuria
Glycosuria refers to the presence of glucose in the urine. If the levels can vary slightly from one woman to another, health specialists consider that it should not exceed 15 mg / dl.
Glycosuria may indicate hyperglycemia. Indeed, when the level of sugar in the blood increases too much, the kidneys are no longer able to filter the glucose which, consequently, passes in the urine. Urinary glucose is especially monitored in pregnant women because it can be a sign of gestational diabetes.
When and how is glycosuria measured during pregnancy?
Glycosuria is usually measured monthly, along with the urine tests needed to detect albuminuria. The detection of sugar in the urine is carried out using test strips.
If the test is positive, a blood test will be taken to check the blood sugar level. A fasting hyperglycemia test can also be performed to measure blood sugar after ingestion of a sweet liquid.
What are the risks of too high glycosuria in pregnant women?
Glycosuria indicates the presence of excess glucose in the blood, which may be a sign of gestational diabetes. It is quite common since it affects about 7% of pregnant women, according to the specialized site Defeat Diabetes. It is most often a transient diabetes which will disappear after childbirth. On the other hand, the risk of recurrence during another pregnancy will be increased.
Most often detected at the end of the second trimester or during the third trimester of pregnancy, gestational diabetes can represent a risk to the health of the baby:
- macrosomia, that is, too much height and birth weight;
- excess amniotic fluid that is dangerous for mother and child;
- hypoglycemia at birth;
- in the most severe cases, nerve or heart malformations.
In the mother-to-be, gestational diabetes can lead to pregnancy-induced hypertension or pre-eclampsia, which necessitate an emergency delivery.
How to lower your glycosuria level?
If the presence of glycosuria is confirmed by a blood test, the main treatment is to set up a suitable diet to limit fast sugars as much as possible. Some women may be asked to “prick themselves” with a lancing device before and after each meal in order to measure changes in blood sugar levels.
If the food rebalancing is not sufficient, an insulin-based treatment may be prescribed.