Pregnancy is a unique time, but it also brings significant changes to your body. Among these changes, hormonal variations can lead to an increase in blood sugar levels (glycaemia), particularly from the second trimester onwards. This condition is known as gestational diabetes.
At Alegria Medical Centre, we understand that your baby’s health is your top priority. That is why we encourage screening for gestational diabetes, an essential test for a calm and healthy pregnancy.
I – What is the OGTT?
Gestational diabetes is a disorder of carbohydrate metabolism that appears for the first time during pregnancy. It is diagnosed using a specific test called the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), sometimes referred to as the Dextrosol test.
This test assesses how your body responds to a high glucose load. It is usually carried out between the 24th and 28th week of pregnancy.
Risk factors (accurate list, with a brief note):
- Age ≥ 35 years
- Overweight or obesity
- Family history of diabetes (especially first-degree relatives)
- Previous gestational diabetes
- Previous fetal macrosomia (baby > 4 kg)
Often, just one of these risk factors is enough to justify the test.
II – How is the OGTT carried out in the laboratory?
The test takes some time but follows a standardised procedure. Here are the steps involved:
- Fasting: You must fast for approximately 10 to 12 hours before the first blood sample.
- First measurement: A blood sample is taken to measure fasting blood glucose.
- Sugary drink: You will be asked to drink a solution containing 75 g of glucose (Dextrosol).
- Rest period: You must remain at rest in the laboratory for 2 hours.
- Subsequent measurements: Blood samples are taken 1 hour after ingestion and again after 2 hours.
III – When is the OGTT considered positive?
Gestational diabetes is diagnosed if at least one of the following values is reached or exceeded:
- Fasting: 92 mg/dL
- 1 hour: 180 mg/dL
- 2 hours: 153 mg/dL
In some cases, early screening (from the first trimester) may already reveal diabetes if fasting glucose exceeds 92 mg/dL.
IV – Why is this test so important?
Screening is not just a formality. Uncontrolled gestational diabetes carries real risks:
- For the mother: Increased risk of pre-eclampsia, excessive weight gain, excess amniotic fluid, and complications that may require a caesarean section, sometimes leading to preterm delivery. It also increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.
- For the baby: The main risk is macrosomia (a baby weighing over 4 kg), which can complicate delivery (shoulder dystocia). The newborn may also experience hypoglycaemia at birth or jaundice.
Fortunately, these risks are significantly reduced when blood glucose levels are well controlled during pregnancy.
V – Take care of yourself at Alegria Medical Centre
If the test result is positive, there is no need to panic. Treatment is usually based on an adapted nutritional plan and, if there are no contraindications, regular physical activity. If this is not sufficient, safe medical treatments for pregnancy, such as insulin, are available.
Do not let uncertainty take over. Whether for screening or for nutritional follow-up after a positive result, the team at Alegria Medical Centre is here to support you with care and professionalism.
Book your appointment today for screening and give your child the best possible start in life.
Book your appointment now!This information is not a substitute for medical advice.
You must seek the advice of your doctor or another qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health condition.
