Glucose challenge test

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Definition

By Mayo Clinic staff

The glucose challenge test measures your body's response to sugar (glucose). The glucose challenge test is done during pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes — diabetes that develops during pregnancy.

The glucose challenge test is done in two steps. First you drink a sugary solution. One hour later, your blood sugar level is measured. The results of the glucose challenge test indicate whether you might have gestational diabetes.

If the test results are above normal, you'll need to have further testing to determine the diagnosis.

Why it's done
References
  1. Coustan DR, et al. Screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Aug. 1, 2012.
  2. Van Leeuwen M, et al. Glucose challenge test for detecting gestational diabetes mellitus: A systematic review. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. 2012;119:393.
  3. Evensen AE. Update on gestational diabetes mellitus. Primary Care. 2012;39:83.
  4. Position statement: Standards of medical care in diabetes — 2012. Diabetes Care. 2012;35:S11.
  5. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Committee on Obstetric Practice. Committee Opinion No. 504: Screening and diagnosis of gestational diabetes mellitus. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2011;118:751.
  6. What I need to know about gestational diabetes. National Diabetes Information Clearing House. http://diabetes.niddk.nih.gov/dm/pubs/gestational/#5. Accessed Aug. 1, 2012.
  7. Routine prenatal care. Bloomington, Minn.: Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement. http://www.icsi.org/prenatal_care_4/prenatal_care__routine__full_version__2.html. Accessed Sept. 14, 2012.
  8. Castro MR (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Sept. 24, 2012.
MY00146 Nov. 17, 2012

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