Q&A: Glucose Challenge Screening

The glucose challenge screening is a preliminary screening test you take in the early part of your third trimester. This has become a standard test performed between 26-28 weeks. During the test, you are asked to drink a sweet liquid of glucose and then will have blood drawn one hour from having the drink, as blood glucose levels normally peak within one hour. This screening test evaluates how your body processes sugar and a high level in your blood may indicate your body is not processing sugar effectively. If the results of this screen are positive, meaning your body is not processing glucose effectively, you may have the Glucose Tolerance Test performed, which is used to diagnose gestational diabetes. This episode answers a few questions relating to the glucose screening test.