A Glucose tolerance test (GTT) is sometimes done in pregnancy to see how the body…

A Glucose tolerance test (GTT) is sometimes done in pregnancy to see how the body measures glucose. If its deemed necessary, it is routinely performed at 26-28 weeks of pregnancy (earlier if you have had gestational diabetes previously). Some people are more likely than others to develop gestational diabetes than others. These include:

🔴A family history of diabetes 🟢A body mass index of greater than 30 🔵Previously had a larger than average weight baby 🟣Previously had gestational diabetes 🟠Having a Black, South Asian or Middle Eastern family background.

The test itself involves drinking a carefully measured glucose drink, followed by having a blood test 2 hours later to check your blood sugar levels. If you are offered one of these tests, you should be given instructions on when to stop eating prior to the test - its usually midnight before, so make sure you have a decent meal as late as you can as you might be hungry in the morning! If the result comes back indicating glucose intolerance, you may be referred for another test and will most likely be under the care of a diabetic specialist midwife.

Sometimes gestational diabetes requires insulin injections, but most of the time its controlled via diet and monitoring blood sugar levels. Gestational diabetes disappears after the birth but if you have had it, you are higher risk for developing it later in life.

Have you ever had a glucose tolerance test? I had one for all of mine due to my heritage. I was clear with the first 4 but ended up with gestational diabetes randomly with my 5th baby!