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Gestational Diabetes Symptoms & Diagnosis

Symptoms

This condition may not cause any symptoms. If symptoms occur, they may include:

  • Increased urination
  • Thirst
  • Hunger
  • Recurring vaginal or urinary tract infections
  • Weakness

Diagnosis

Your Risk

If you are at high risk, you may need glucose testing as soon as possible. If your initial test is negative, you should be retested between 24-28 weeks of gestation.

If you are at average risk, you may be given the 50-gram glucose test (see below). This is given between 24-28 weeks of gestation.

If you are at low risk, you do not need glucose testing. To be low risk, you must meet all of the following criteria:

  • Less than 25 years of age
  • Normal weight before and during pregnancy
  • Member of an ethnic group with a low risk of gestational diabetes
  • No known diabetes in any siblings or parents
  • No history of abnormal glucose tolerance
  • No history of poor pregnancy outcomes

Screening Test

This involves:

  • Drinking a liquid high in sugar
  • Taking a blood sample one hour later to measure the glucose level

In some cases, a urine glucose test may be done. These are not as reliable as the blood test.

Diagnostic Test

This involves:

  • A three-hour glucose-tolerance test if the initial screening test shows an above normal sugar level
  • Glucose monitoring in the morning and after meals

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Copyright © 2024 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.

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