75-Gram Glucose Test Explained: One Value Is All You Need (Video)

Transcript

Did you know a single high number can diagnose gestational diabetes?

Did you know a single high number can diagnose gestational diabetes?

OGTT Pregnancy Overview

Here's a quick guide to the 75-gram glucose test and what the numbers mean, plus a handy tip at the end.

What the test measures

The test checks how your insulin, the cell doorman, handles a sudden sugar surge during pregnancy. Hormones slow the doors on purpose, keeping more sugar for the baby, so the test shows if they can keep up.

Fasting threshold

If your fasting glucose hits ninety-two milligrams per deciliter or higher, that's already a flag for gestational diabetes.

Peak and 2-hour

A one-hour reading of one-eighty or more also counts, and the two-hour cut-off sits at one-fifty-three.

How to prepare

Eat your usual meals, carbs and all, for three days before. Fast eight to fourteen hours overnight, only water. The glucose drink is often flavored and chilled, so it’s easier to finish. Bring a book or a charged phone while you wait.

Key quote

One value over the line is enough. You don't need all three to be high.

After a high result

After a high result, most women start with a dietitian, a home glucose meter, and a meal plan that spreads carbs throughout the day. Some may need medication, decided by the doctor, and extra ultrasound scans are scheduled to watch the baby’s growth.

When to call doctor

Call your doctor right away if fasting is 126 mg/dL or more, any reading hits 200, urine shows ketones, you’re vomiting, extremely thirsty, or the baby moves less than usual.

The one tip to remember

If any of the three numbers crosses its cut-off, your doctor will diagnose gestational diabetes, no need for all three to be high. That single flag triggers extra monitoring and a care plan to keep both you and the baby healthy.

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Read the full guide

The full guide is on thecareonline.com. General information only, so check with your doctor for your own case.