Prenatal Test VII: Glucose screening and gestational diabetes

Gestational diabetes It is a condition that affects many women during pregnancy and is diagnosed through different tests. Within these tests, the Prenatal Test VII o glucose sieve It is one of the most important ways to detect this condition early and avoid risks for the mother and baby.

What is the VII Prenatal Test or Glucose Screening?

Prenatal Test VII is a routine examination which measures how the body responds to glucose (blood sugar) and is primarily used to identify cases of gestational diabetes. This test is usually performed between weeks 24 and 28 of pregnancy, although some women with risk factor's may need to do it sooner.

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and disappears after delivery, although in some cases it can increase the mother's risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

This test involves the pregnant woman consuming a glucose solution and, one hour later, taking a blood test to measure the glucose levels in the body.

Importance of Glucose Testing in Pregnancy

Gestational diabetes can have serious consequences if not detected and managed properly. If the blood glucose level is high and not controlled, the baby may grow more than normal, what is known as macrosomia, increasing the chances of complications during delivery, such as injury to the baby or the need for a cesarean section.

The mother may also be at increased risk of developing preeclampsia, a condition that causes high blood pressure and other serious complications during pregnancy. Other complications include premature delivery or an increased risk of the baby being born with Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels).

Early detection and proper management of gestational diabetes can prevent these risks, so this test is essential to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

The Glucose Testing Process

Glucose screening is performed in two phases in many cases:

O'Sullivan test

This first exam consists of the pregnant woman drink a solution containing about 50 grams of glucose. After one hour, a blood sample is taken to measure glucose levels.

• If the levels are below 140 mg/dl, the result is considered normal.
• If levels exceed 140 mg/dl, a more accurate test called Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (also known as Glucose Tolerance Curve).

Oral Glucose Tolerance Test

This test is more detailed and is performed if the first test shows signs of high glucose concentrations. The process takes three hours and requires the patient to fast. After an initial blood test, the patient ingests a solution containing 100 grams of glucose, and additional blood samples are taken every hour for three hours.

• If the glucose level is normal in each sample, gestational diabetes is ruled out.
• If two or more of the samples show elevated levels, gestational diabetes is diagnosed.

Why is it performed between weeks 24 and 28?

The second trimester is a critical time during pregnancy, as from this stage onwards the levels of hormones in the mother's body increase considerably. These hormones can hinder the action of insulin, causing a temporary increase in glucose in the blood.

Therefore, the glucose sieve It is performed during this period, as this is when pregnant women are most likely to develop insulin resistance, which can trigger gestational diabetes.

Risk Factors for Developing Gestational Diabetes

Some factors may increase the risk of developing gestational diabetes, so if the mother has any of the following, she may be suggested to get tested earlier:

• Age over 35 years.
• Obesity.
• Family history of diabetes.
• Gestational diabetes in previous pregnancies.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome.

Women who have one or more of these factors should be alert throughout their pregnancy, as they are more likely to develop this condition.

How to Prepare for the Glucose Tolerance Test

For the first phase of the test (the O'Sullivan Test), No fasting required No special preparation is required. However, for the second phase (the Oral Glucose Tolerance Curve), the patient must come to the laboratory on an empty stomach, without having eaten anything for 8 to 12 hours before the analysis.

It is important continue eating normally in the days leading up to the test to ensure that the pancreas is functioning properly according to normal insulin requirements.

If you are taking any medications, they should be reviewed by your doctor, as some may alter the test results.

What are Normal Test Results?

For the O'Sullivan test, a blood glucose value below 140 mg/dl is considered normal. If the oral glucose tolerance test is performed, the values ​​should be as follows:

• Baseline (fasting) sample: less than 95 mg/dl.
• One hour after taking the solution: less than 180 mg/dl.
• Two hours later: less than 155 mg/dl.
• Three hours later: less than 140 mg/dl.

If two of these values ​​are above normal, gestational diabetes is diagnosed.

Risks of Gestational Diabetes

The diagnosis of gestational diabetes means that the mother must have a special control over your diet and lifestyle, as well as checking your blood glucose levels regularly. Risks of not treating this condition properly include:

• Macrosomia: babies who are born larger than average, which increases the risk of complicated delivery and the need for a cesarean section.
• Preeclampsia: increased blood pressure with risk to the health of the mother and baby.
• Increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life.

In the case of babies, there is also a risk that they will develop hypoglycemia or suffer respiratory problems at birth.

It is vital that women diagnosed with gestational diabetes work closely with their medical team to manage their glucose levels and avoid complications.

Treatment of gestational diabetes It usually includes eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and in some cases you may need to take medication or, in the case of more severe diabetes, insulin injections.

In some cases, it may be necessary to monitor blood glucose levels more regularly to establish the most appropriate treatment.

Although gestational diabetes usually goes away after delivery, women who have had the condition are at higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes later in life and should have regular check-ups with their doctor.

The Prenatal Test VII or glucose screening is a fundamental tool for detecting and treating gestational diabetes, thus ensuring a safer pregnancy for both mother and baby. Adequately controlling glucose throughout pregnancy is key to avoiding long-term complications.