Which test is used as a screening tool for gestational diabetes?

Which test is used as a screening tool for gestational diabetes?

• A. 1-hour oral glucose tolerance test
• B. 3-hour glucose tolerance test
• C. Fasting glucose
• D. HbA1c

Answer: (A)

Screening for gestational diabetes is typically done with a 50-gram glucose challenge test given without regard to meals, and glucose is measured one hour later. If this screening result is positive, a diagnostic test—the 3-hour 100-gram oral glucose tolerance test—is performed to confirm gestational diabetes. The screening test is used to flag those who may have the condition, while the diagnostic test provides a definitive diagnosis. Fasting glucose alone isn’t sensitive enough for screening in pregnancy, and HbA1c isn’t reliable for screening during pregnancy due to physiological changes and timing. So the 1-hour glucose screening test is the appropriate initial step.

Screening for gestational diabetes is typically done with a 50-gram glucose challenge test given without regard to meals, and glucose is measured one hour later. If this screening result is positive, a diagnostic test—the 3-hour 100-gram oral glucose tolerance test—is performed to confirm gestational diabetes. The screening test is used to flag those who may have the condition, while the diagnostic test provides a definitive diagnosis. Fasting glucose alone isn’t sensitive enough for screening in pregnancy, and HbA1c isn’t reliable for screening during pregnancy due to physiological changes and timing. So the 1-hour glucose screening test is the appropriate initial step.