Gestational Diabetes (Pregnancy Diabetes) and Glucose Screening Test
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) refers to high blood sugar levels that develop during pregnancy in women who did not have diabetes before.This condition is one of the most important pregnancy-related metabolic issues and, if not properly managed, can pose significant risks for both mother and baby.For this reason, performing a glucose screening test between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy is critical for early detection and safe management.
What Is the Glucose Screening Test in Pregnancy?
The glucose screening test evaluates how well the mother’s body processes sugar (glucose) during pregnancy.
The most common method is the 50-gram oral glucose challenge test (OGTT):
Fasting is not required for this test.
The mother drinks a solution containing 50 grams of glucose, and her blood sugar is measured one hour later.
If the result exceeds the reference value, a more detailed 100-gram glucose tolerance test is performed for confirmation.
This test allows physicians to diagnose gestational diabetes early and take preventive measures before complications develop.
Why Is Gestational Diabetes Important?
If gestational diabetes is not managed properly, it can cause complications affecting both the mother and baby.
Possible risks include:
Macrosomia (large baby) leading to difficult or traumatic birth
Preterm delivery
Increased likelihood of cesarean section
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in the newborn
Pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy)
Higher lifetime risk of type 2 diabetes for the mother
Regular screening not only enables diagnosis but also helps prevent complications and safeguard long-term health.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
While all pregnant women are advised to undergo glucose testing, certain groups have a higher likelihood of developing gestational diabetes:
Women with obesity or excessive weight gain
Those who have previously delivered a large baby
Family history of diabetes
Previous gestational diabetes in earlier pregnancies
Age over 35 years
At her clinic in Kartal, Op. Dr. Yeliz Akçelik carefully evaluates each patient’s risk factors and creates personalized screening and monitoring plans.
How Is Gestational Diabetes Treated?
Once diagnosed, the first step is to adjust the mother’s diet and lifestyle:
A dietitian-guided nutrition plan focused on low–glycemic index foods is implemented.
Light, regular exercise (such as walking) helps stabilize blood sugar levels.
If blood sugar remains high, insulin therapy may be required.
Blood sugar monitoring and frequent prenatal checkups are essential to track progress and ensure safety.
Is the Glucose Test Safe During Pregnancy?
There is a common misconception that the glucose screening test can harm the baby.However, reputable medical organizations — including the World Health Organization (WHO), the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), and the Turkish Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics (TJOD) — have confirmed its safety.
Not performing the test is far more dangerous, as undiagnosed gestational diabetes can lead to serious maternal and fetal complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When is the glucose test performed during pregnancy?Usually between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy.
2. Should I be fasting before the test?The 50 g screening test does not require fasting, but the 100 g test must be done on an empty stomach.
3. Does the glucose test harm the baby?No. Scientific studies have proven the test is safe and necessary for pregnancy monitoring.
4. Do all women diagnosed with gestational diabetes need insulin?No. In most cases, diet and exercise are enough to control blood sugar.
5. Is uncontrolled gestational diabetes dangerous?Yes. Persistently high blood sugar increases risks for both mother and baby.
6. Does gestational diabetes turn into permanent diabetes?Usually, blood sugar returns to normal after delivery, but there is a higher lifetime risk of developing type 2 diabeteslater.
7. Is the glucose test the same as a fasting blood sugar test?No. The glucose challenge test provides a broader assessment of how the body handles sugar.
8. What happens if the test is skipped?Undiagnosed gestational diabetes can cause growth abnormalities, preterm birth, and other complications.
9. I had gestational diabetes before. Will it happen again?Yes, the risk of recurrence is high, so early screening is recommended in future pregnancies.
10. Can women with gestational diabetes have a normal birth?Yes, if the baby’s size is normal and there are no other complications, vaginal birth may be possible.
