Gestational diabetes presents in a manner similar to other forms of diabetes, impacting how your body processes sugars and produces insulin. Without being alarmed, the focus here is to help you understand how to maintain optimal health. With gestational diabetes, there's potential for high or low blood sugar, as well as possible complications with fetal growth and delivery—but take heart, because being informed gives you strength.

Did you know? About 15-25% of pregnant women will experience elevated glucose levels during the standard 1-hour glucose test.

Glucose Screening During Pregnancy

At your initial prenatal visit, your healthcare provider will determine any diabetes risk factors, such as family history, and may test for diabetes early if needed. Typically, without additional risk factors, screening is conducted around the 26th to 28th week of pregnancy.

The first step is the glucose challenge screening test. You'll consume a glucose-rich drink, followed by a blood test after one hour to measure your glucose levels. It's a simple way to screen for elevated glucose:

• A typical reading is below 140 mg/dL, a sign that things are in balance.
• A reading above 140 mg/dL suggests a need for further investigation. Some physicians might take action at 130-135 mg/dL.

Remember, 15-25% of women might show elevated levels at this stage. If your results are normal, you're clearly on the right track, but if they're elevated, it doesn't mean something is wrong—only that you and your health team will take the next step, the 3-hour glucose tolerance test, just to make sure all is well.

The 3-hour Glucose Tolerance Test

The glucose tolerance test is your next level of assurance. It requires 14 hours of fasting to accurately assess your fasting glucose baseline. From there, you'll drink another glucose solution with blood samples taken over 3 hours to monitor your body's response.

This test uses cutoff values (Sullivan criteria) to determine a diagnosis:

• Fasting: 95 mg/dL
• 1-hour: 180 mg/dL
• 2-hours: 155 mg/dL
• 3-hours: 140 mg/dL

What if You Have Gestational Diabetes?

If diagnosed with gestational diabetes, powerful lifestyle strategies and medical interventions will be your allies. Typically, a diagnosis requires that two out of the four blood samples show elevated levels. Some dietary adjustments and monitoring might be recommended even if only one test is outside normal ranges, providing a proactive approach to your health.

With a confirmed diagnosis, a comprehensive treatment plan, including dietary modifications, potential insulin therapy, and moderate, safe exercise, will help regulate your blood glucose levels. Regular self-monitoring will be necessary, empowering you with real-time data to sustain optimal health. The uplifting news is that gestational diabetes usually resolves after birth, allowing you to embrace newborn life with renewed energy.

Embrace this chapter with confidence and informed action. Work closely with your healthcare team, and arm yourself with strategies that support your and your baby’s health. Together, you are strong!