Attend gestational diabetes screening at 24 weeks or later
Gestational diabetes is high blood glucose first identified in pregnancy. The usual glucose-drink test can detect it even when you feel well. Untreated disease raises the risks of an unusually large baby, difficult delivery, cesarean delivery, preeclampsia, and low blood glucose in the newborn.
What it takes
The source estimates tens to a little over RMB 100 in China. An oral glucose tolerance test involves fasting, several blood samples, and roughly half a morning; follow the clinic's test instructions.
What you may gain
The US Preventive Services Task Force gives a grade B recommendation for screening asymptomatic pregnant people at 24 weeks or later. If only one screening is performed, this is the recommended period. For screening before 24 weeks, it found insufficient evidence to determine the balance of benefits and harms, an I statement. Untreated gestational diabetes increases risks of macrosomia, difficult labor, cesarean delivery, preeclampsia, and neonatal hypoglycemia.
Context & considerations
Many diagnosed patients can control glucose through dietary changes and activity; some need insulin. Fear of injections is not a reason to skip screening. Glucose follow-up after delivery also matters because a history of gestational diabetes substantially increases later type 2 diabetes risk.
Research & references
US Preventive Services Task Force (2021). Gestational Diabetes: Screening. https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/recommendation/gestational-diabetes-screening