How to self-test for gestational diabetes

Written by Li Lang Bo

Endocrinology

Updated on March 14, 2025

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Gestational diabetes refers to conditions where there was no diabetes before pregnancy, and during the course of the pregnancy, specifically between the 24th to 28th weeks, a standard glucose tolerance test is conducted to screen for glucose metabolism. The specific procedure involves not eating after 8 p.m. the night before, though drinking water is allowed, followed by fasting for more than ten hours. The first blood sample is taken on an empty stomach. Then, 75 grams of anhydrous glucose, as prescribed by the doctor, is dissolved in 250 to 350 milliliters of water and consumed within 3 to 5 minutes. Starting from the first sip of this glucose solution, blood samples are taken again one hour and two hours later. The results from these three blood samples are used to determine the possibility of gestational diabetes.

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Written by Chen Xie

Endocrinology

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Steps for Gestational Diabetes Testing

The screening steps for gestational diabetes involve, for most women, the recommendation to undergo a 75-gram glucose tolerance test at the hospital between 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy. The method includes fasting blood draw, consuming 75 grams of glucose, and monitoring blood sugar levels one hour and two hours after glucose intake, to determine the presence of gestational diabetes. However, for pregnant women at high risk for diabetes, it is recommended to complete the 75-gram glucose tolerance test early in pregnancy to detect gestational diabetes early and initiate treatment promptly to reduce the risks to both the fetus and the mother.

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Written by Zhang Yin Xing

Obstetrics

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Can pregnant women with gestational diabetes eat grapes?

Fruits are natural vitamins, and consuming fruits appropriately during pregnancy is extremely significant for supplementing vitamins, which can promote fetal growth. Patients with gestational diabetes are not entirely forbidden from eating fruits; however, it's essential to control the intake of fruits, ideally between 100 to 150 grams per day. Grapes are not completely off-limits, but since grapes have a high sugar content, if consumed, the quantity should be controlled to avoid eating too much. Opting for fruits like kiwis and apples, which have lower sugar content, is a better choice for those with gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can affect both the pregnant woman and the fetus. For the pregnant woman, it can increase the rate of miscarriages and is likely to complicate with gestational hypertension. Lowered immunity can lead to infections, particularly urinary and reproductive system infections, may cause excessive amniotic fluid, and increase the likelihood of difficult labor due to a larger baby. The impact on the fetus can lead to congenital disabilities, a significantly large baby, or restricted fetal growth, so it is crucial to control blood sugar levels during pregnancy. While ensuring the pregnant woman is not hungry, insulin can be used when necessary to maintain stable blood sugar levels during pregnancy.

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Written by Chen Xie

Endocrinology

1min 12sec

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Gestational diabetes blood sugar standards

The diagnostic criteria for gestational diabetes involve a pregnant woman undergoing a 75-gram glucose test at any time during pregnancy to measure fasting blood glucose, blood glucose one hour after consuming glucose, and blood glucose two hours after consuming glucose. The thresholds are: fasting blood glucose equal to or greater than 5.1 mmol/L, blood glucose one hour after glucose intake equal to or greater than 10.0 mmol/L, and blood glucose two hours after glucose intake equal to or greater than 8.5 mmol/L. Diagnosis of gestational diabetes can be made if blood glucose levels exceed these standards at any of the three time points. In China, pregnant women typically undergo the 75-gram glucose test between the 24th to 28th week of pregnancy. Women at high risk for gestational diabetes are advised to undergo the 75-gram glucose test early.

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Written by Chen Xie

Endocrinology

1min 17sec

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Can pregnant women with gestational diabetes eat pumpkin?

The general principle for dietary control in patients with gestational diabetes is to manage total calorie intake and to eat smaller, more frequent meals. Eating five to six meals a day can not only help control blood sugar levels but also reduce the occurrence of hypoglycemia. Additionally, it is important for patients with gestational diabetes to eat less of foods that can rapidly increase blood sugar levels, as well as those high in sugar, starch, and fat content since these can easily convert into glucose, causing a rise in blood sugar. Pumpkin, for example, is a food high in carbohydrates and should be consumed in limited quantities. However, this does not mean it cannot be eaten at all. For patients with gestational diabetes, if pumpkin is consumed, it is necessary to reduce the intake of staple foods and rice, treating the pumpkin as a staple food substitute to maintain a balance of total calories and to prevent significant fluctuations in blood sugar, thus keeping it stable.

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Written by Li Lang Bo

Endocrinology

1min 1sec

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How to self-test for gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes refers to conditions where there was no diabetes before pregnancy, and during the course of the pregnancy, specifically between the 24th to 28th weeks, a standard glucose tolerance test is conducted to screen for glucose metabolism. The specific procedure involves not eating after 8 p.m. the night before, though drinking water is allowed, followed by fasting for more than ten hours. The first blood sample is taken on an empty stomach. Then, 75 grams of anhydrous glucose, as prescribed by the doctor, is dissolved in 250 to 350 milliliters of water and consumed within 3 to 5 minutes. Starting from the first sip of this glucose solution, blood samples are taken again one hour and two hours later. The results from these three blood samples are used to determine the possibility of gestational diabetes.