Tests and Procedures

Glucose challenge test

Results

Results of the glucose challenge test are given in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L).

  • A blood sugar level below 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) is considered standard.
  • A blood sugar level of 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L) to less than 190 mg/dL (10.6 mmol/L) indicates the need for a three-hour glucose tolerance test to diagnose gestational diabetes.
  • A blood sugar level of 190 (10.6 mmol/L) or higher indicates gestational diabetes. Further testing might not be needed.

Some clinics or labs use a lower threshold of 130 mg/dL (7.2 mmol/L) when screening for gestational diabetes.

If you're diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you can prevent complications by carefully managing your blood glucose level throughout the rest of your pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also recommends that women diagnosed with gestational diabetes have a two-hour glucose tolerance test 4 to 12 weeks after childbirth. This test screens for type 2 diabetes. If you have questions, talk to your health care provider.

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