Diabetes Screening in Pregnant Women

Statistics show that the disease “diabetes” occurs more in women than in men, and 2 out of 5 women with diabetes are of reproductive age. It is also found that some pregnant women often have higher than normal blood sugar levels and have a higher chance of developing ‘gestational diabetes. This not only adversely affects the mother but may also cause the baby to have a higher chance of high blood sugar levels as they grow older compared to those whose mothers did not have diabetes during pregnancy.

How high is high blood sugar?

Used to diagnose diabetes in pregnant women

• 50 gram GCT (Glucose Challenge Test)

This is a screening criterion that can be done without fasting, but the patient will consume 50 grams of sugar, and after 1 hour, blood will be drawn to check blood sugar levels. If the value is greater than 140 milligrams per deciliter, it is considered abnormal and further testing should be done using the 100 gram OGTT criteria.

• 100 gram OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test)

Screening for gestational diabetes using this criterion involves the following steps:

1. Blood is drawn after fasting for 8 hours (FBS: Fasting Blood Sugar)
2. Then, the pregnant woman will consume 100 grams of glucose, usually mixed with lemon juice to reduce nausea and vomiting that may occur
3. Blood is then drawn at 1, 2, and 3 hours after consuming the sugar. If abnormal blood sugar levels are found, treatment will be given according to diagnostic criteria. The normal blood sugar levels for diagnosis are 95, 180, 155, 140 mg/dl. If the test results exceed the set criteria in 2 or more values, it will be diagnosed as ‘gestational diabetes’

Diagnosis and treatment of gestational diabetes

Diagnosis and treatment are divided into 2 types: GDM A1 and GDM A2, where…

• In the case of GDM A1, there is an abnormality in 2 out of 3 OGTT (Oral Glucose Tolerance Test) values. Treatment is done by dietary control.
• In the case of GDM A2, in addition to dietary control, insulin must be used to control blood sugar levels. In this case, the pregnant woman will be cared for directly by a diabetes specialist.