Glucose Screening in Pregnancy

In a non-pregnant person, the pancreas releases insulin to control sugar (glucose) levels in the blood. Individuals
who are unable to produce enough insulin to control glucose levels develop diabetes. In pregnancy we produce
less insulin, so more sugar is available to the baby. In those who develop gestational diabetes, the pregnant
person’s body cannot balance the production of insulin and the body is left with too much sugar circulating
in the blood. Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is thought to complicate about 2% to 5% of all pregnancies.
 

Risks of Gestational Diabetes
 
Left untreated, gestational diabetes can pose several risks to you and your baby, including:

      ● High blood pressure (for the pregnant person)
      ● Macrosomia (large baby)
      ● Shoulder dystocia
      ● Respiratory distress
      ● Newborn hypoglycemia
      ● Seizures
      ● Jaundice
      ● Stillbirth


How Do We Screen For Gestational Diabetes?
 
The screen for glucose intolerance is a simple blood test (an OGCT) done an hour after you drink 50 grams
of a sugary drink. This will show us how your body processes extra sugar. This test can be done at any time of
the day and does not require you to fast.

 
 
What Are The Risks Of The Screen?
 
The large amount of sugar in the drink leaves some individuals feeling nauseated after drinking it. In
addition, you may experience the standard discomforts of having blood taken.

 
 
What Happens If The Test Shows I Am High Risk?
 
You will be offered another blood test (OGTT), that will determine if you do or do not have diabetes as
this is a diagnostic test. For this test you will drink more of the sugar drink (75g) and your blood will be taken
3 times over 2 hours. You are also required to fast for 12 hours prior to this tolerance testing. If the result
confirms that you have gestational diabetes, your midwives will arrange a consultation with a dietician and
arrange a transfer of care to an obstetrician. If you wish, midwives will stay involved in a supportive care role.
 
 
For more information, ask your midwife, or visit:
 
https://www.diabetes.ca/about-diabetes/gestational
 
https://www.pregnancyinfo.ca/your-pregnancy/routine-tests/glucose-testing/