Diagnosing Diabetes (Cont.)

Diagnosing Diabetes: Gestational Diabetes

Diagnosing diabetes in pregnant women (called gestational diabetes) is based on plasma glucose values measured during the oral glucose tolerance test. Glucose levels are normally lower during pregnancy, so the threshold values for diagnosing diabetes in pregnancy are lower.
 
If a woman has two plasma glucose values meeting or exceeding any of the following numbers, she has gestational diabetes:
 
  • A fasting plasma glucose level of 95 mg/dL
  • A one-hour level of 180 mg/dL
  • A two-hour level of 155 mg/dL
  • A three-hour level of 140 mg/dL.
     
If your blood glucose levels are above normal at least twice during the test, you have gestational diabetes. Table 3 shows the above-normal results for the OGTT for gestational diabetes.
 
Table 3: Gestational Diabetes -- Above-Normal Results
 
When
Plasma Glucose Result (mg/dL)
Fasting
95 or higher
At one hour
180 or higher
At two hours
155 or higher
At three hours
140 or higher
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD