GLUCOSE C

HALLENGE

SCREENING T

EST

BY EDNA E

XAMPLE

WHEN IS THE GLUCOSE CHALLENGE SCREEN TEST ADMINISTERED?

- Between 26-28 weeks gestation

- If a woman tests positive during the screening a second test, the Glucose Tolerance Test, may be performed.

- Timing -as early as your first prenatal visit if at high risk of gestational diabetes due to

- obesity, - a family history of diabetes

- Abnormal test results early in pregnancy might indicate you have pre-existing type 2 diabetes not previously recognized — not gestational diabetes.

HOW IS THE GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST ADMINISTERED ?

-Oral Glucose Tolerance Test is the most common.

-Blood is taken.

-The women drinks a liquid containing about 75 grams of glucose.

-Blood taken again every 30 - 60 minutes after drinking the liquid.

- Sugar levels are monitored at each interval.

-The test is 3 hours long.

THE GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST IS GIVEN

RISKS OF GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST

-Veins and arteries vary in size from one patient to another and from one side of the body to the other.

- Obtaining a blood sample may be more difficult for some people.

•Excessive bleeding

•Fainting or feeling light-headed

•Hematoma (blood accumulating under the skin)

•Infection (slight risk any time skin is broken)

RESULTS OF THE GLUCOSE TOLERANCE TEST

-Glucose is the sugar the body uses for energy.

- Patients with untreated diabetes have high blood glucose levels.

- Glucose tolerance tests are one of the tools used to diagnose diabetes.

-Above-normal blood glucose levels can be used to diagnose type 2 diabetes or high blood glucose during pregnancy (gestational diabetes).

-Insulin levels may also be measured.

GESTATIONAL DIABETES

Most women who have gestational diabetes deliver healthy babies.

Yet, even with careful management, gestational diabetes can lead to various pregnancy complications, such as excess fetal growth which might increase the risk of

- birth injuries

- prompt a C-section delivery.

QUIZ: THE GLUCOSE INTOLERANCE TEST IS TYPICALLY PERFORMED ON?

1. Women expecting twins or a multiple birth only.

2. Women ready for delivery of their baby; about 36 – 40 weeks gestation.

3. Women considered obese according to height and weight chart standards.

4. Women about 6 months pregnant or 26 to 28 weeks gestation.

• ANSWER - #4 About 6 months pregnant or 26 to 28 weeks gestation.

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QUIZ: HOW DO YOU PREPARE FOR THE GLUCOSE INTOLERANCE TEST?

1. Follow a diet that includes all 6 nutrients 48 hours prior to the test.

2. Avoid drinking any liquids for 24 hours prior to the test.

3. No food or drink at least 8 hours prior to the test.

4. There are no food or drink restrictions necessary prior the test.

• ANSWER - #3 No food or drink 8-12 hours prior to the test.

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QUIZ: RISKS OF THE GLUCOSE INTOLERANCE TEST INCLUDE:

1. Excessive bleeding.

2. Fainting

3. Hematoma

4. Infection

5. All of the above

* ANSWER - #5 All of the above.

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FOLLOW YOUR DOCTOR’S ADVICE FOR A HEALTHY BABY!

WORKS CITED

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/glucose-challenge-test/MY00146

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003466.htm

http://www.americanpregnancy.org/prenataltesting/glucosetest.html