Glucose Tolerance Test – What it is and Why You Must Have It!
(From Articles By Julie Watkins)
glucose tolerance test
The glucose tolerance test is a routine procedure that is now carried out on all pregnant women between 24 and 28 weeks to screen for gestational diabetes which is a complication of pregnancy, largely because of the strain that is placed on your kidneys and metabolic system. The symptoms of gestational diabetes may not always be apparent but in some extreme cases it can mirror normal diabetes in that you can experience extreme thirst, tiredness and a frequent need to urinate.
Problems associated with Gestational Diabetes only occur in the final trimester of pregnancy as this is when your baby’s pancreas will begin producing it’s own insulin. You may be offered the test earlier than 24 weeks if you’ve had glucose present in your urine at a previous antenatal visit or if you have a high risk medical history.
The glucose tolerance test is very simple:
You will be asked to provide a urine sample first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and you cannot eat at any time throughout the procedure which can last up to 3 hours. You will then have a blood sample taken and be asked to drink a glucose (sugary) solution.
If you are found to have gestational diabetes you will need to follow a low-sugar, low-carbohydrate diet for the rest of your pregnancy. If this does not control the problem effectively, you may need to take medication to reduce your high blood sugar levels or possibly have regular insulin injections. Although only a small percentage of women continue to have the problem after the delivery, having gestational diabetes increases your risk of developing Type 2 or the onset of diabetes later in life by up to 50%.
What are the Symptoms of Gestational Diabetes?
(From Articles By Andrew Bicknell)
For some women they will see some of the classic symptoms that all diabetics are familiar with. These include:
o Frequent urination – Caused by high blood glucose which increases blood flow to the kidneys.
o Excessive thirst – Results from dehydration from the increased urinary output.
o Extreme hunger – Because glucose is unable to get into the body’s cells from the lack of insulin the body suffers from an energy deficit, causing hunger.
o Unusual weight loss – Despite eating more the body actually loses weight as it breaks down proteins and fats to make up for the perceived energy deficit.
o Increased fatigue – Caused by the decrease in energy.
o Irritability
o Blurry vision – Caused by the increased blood volume that causes a swelling of the lens of the eye.
But the majority of women suffer no overt symptoms of gestational diabetes. Because of this it is vitally important that all women be screened for gestational diabetes towards the end of the second trimester at around 24 to 28 weeks of their pregnancy.
Please check information about cervix during pregnancy!
