Edsite WA: glucose tolerance test

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Topic: glucose tolerance test

<Leah>
unregistered

posted 21 January 2005 05:44 PM

Is this test really necessary? This is my fifth pregnancy and I really don't want to take the test given that the four previous times it was clear. More to the point, am I at a greater risk during this pregnancy? Thanks

Mary
Moderator
Member # 461

posted 21 February 2005 07:19 PM

Hi Leah

Yes, the GTT test - seems to be a bit contentuous! The bottom line is, NO not every pregnant woman needs a GTT test, but unfortunately they have become a bit routine. If you have a family history of diabetes, or gestational diabetes then you are at a higher risk of developing GD in your pregnancy. Signs of gestational diabetes are sugar in the urine, excessive thirst, passing large volumes of urine, ongoing thrush, feeling generally unwell. So in reality, the usual pregnancy checks should pick up signs of GD and then a GTT would be warranted. If you're a little unsure, you can opt to have a blood test to assess your normal blood sugear level which does not entail any fasting (which when pregnant can be awful!).

Hope that helps. All the best
Midwife Mary

Posts: 22 | Registered: Dec 2004

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