
An impaired glucose tolerance test can be a bolt out of the blue when you’re floating through a dreamy pregnancy haze. And it begs the question, how worried should you be?
Pregnancy can set off a series of changes in your body – spiralling hormones, tender breasts, mood swings, dry skin. And sometimes, unregulated blood glucose levels. This usually occurs due to hormonal fluctuations, and results in a condition called impaired glucose tolerance. While the condition usually disappears after delivery, it can be difficult to process at the moment. If you’re struggling to stomach an impaired glucose tolerance diagnosis and want to know more about it, read on.
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Blood sugar levels are mainly influenced by the sugary and starchy foods that we eat. However, some glucose is also produced independently by the body. Sometimes, during pregnancy, hormonal changes hinder the body’s glucose processing mechanism, resulting in impaired glucose tolerance. In most cases, the condition recedes after childbirth and a follow-up blood test about six weeks after delivery usually confirms normal glucose levels.
Elevated blood glucose levels during pregnancy can increase the risk of diabetes at a later stage in life. This is why it’s important to check your glucose levels on a yearly basis, so if they do look out of the ordinary, you can seek the necessary action to keep associated risks at bay.
High blood glucose levels can cause your baby to grow too large, making natural childbirth challenging and in some cases, impossible. Keeping your glucose levels in check can go a long way in regulating your baby’s weight and facilitating natural childbirth.

If you have been diagnosed with impaired glucose tolerance, you may have been advised to keep a tab on your glucose levels. It’s important to keep in mind your blood glucose levels will fluctuate through the day.
Here are some benchmarks to consider:
If you find your glucose levels consistently out of the ballpark, let your doctor know.
Here are a few easy measures to curb your blood glucose levels:
If you are diagnosed with impaired glucose tolerance during pregnancy, know it isn’t the end of the world. With a few lifestyle modifications, you can keep yourself and your baby in the pink of health, and your blood glucose in check all the way to the finish line.
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Excessive thirst, frequent urination, excess fatigue, blurry vision, more prone to infections are all signs of diabetes. However, most of these symptoms are common in the first few weeks of pregnancy, so they can be easily missed. Regular blood sugar tests, especially if you are in a risk category, can help identify gestational diabetes at the earliest stage.
Failing a glucose tolerance test during pregnancy means your blood glucose levels were very high, indicating gestational diabetes. The clinic or the doctor will take more tests to confirm gestational diabetes. Some doctors may suggest a longer glucose tolerance test lasting 3 hours. Your gynaecologist can guide you.
The recommended glucose level for gestational diabetes 2 hours after a meal is 120mg/dL or less. However, the glucose levels and targets can vary from person to person depending on various other factors. Talk to your healthcare provider to understand the safe range for you. Remember, different clinics may use different ranges, so go by the range specified by the clinic where you are taking the test.
After being diagnosed with gestational diabetes, the expectant mother’s focus must be on managing the glucose levels within the recommended ranges. Close monitoring, a tailor-made diet, and regular exercise are a must to manage gestational diabetes. Complications during labour and delivery may also arise, so doctors will keep a close watch.