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.

Do you want to know the  "Estimated date of when your baby is due?"  Check out Cloudnine's Pregnancy Due Date Calculator now!

What Is Impaired Glucose Tolerance?

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.

Is Impaired Glucose Tolerance Linked to Diabetes?

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.

Will Impaired Glucose Tolerance Harm My Unborn Baby?

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.

Free Pregnancy Counselling

What Should My Blood Glucose Levels Be?

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:

  • Before breakfast: Less than 5.5 mmol
  • After each meal: Less than 8 mmol

If you find your glucose levels consistently out of the ballpark, let your doctor know.

How Can I Control My Blood Glucose Levels?

Here are a few easy measures to curb your blood glucose levels:

  • Eat mini meals throughout the day; three small-sized main meals, and healthy snacks in between
  • Minimise your consumption of sugary foods and drinks
  • Add high-fibre foods to your diet
  • Cut down on fried and fatty foods and snacks
  • Split your meals into 50% vegetables or salads, 25% carbs and 25% meat, fish, cheese, eggs or pulses

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.

Want to consult the best gynecologists in India? Please find the links below.

  1. Best Gynecologists in Bangalore
  2. Top Gynecologists in Chennai
  3. Top Obstetricians & Gynecologists in Mumbai
  4. Top Gynecologists near me in Pune
  5. Best Obstetricians & Gynecologists in Chandigarh
  6. Top Obstetricians & Gynecologists near me in Gurgaon
  7. Best Gynecologists near me in Noida

 

Want to consult the best Maternity Packages in India? Please find the links below.

  1. Best Maternity Packages in Bangalore
  2. Top Maternity Packages in Chennai
  3. Best Maternity Packages with Cost in Mumbai
  4. Best Maternity/ Delivery Packages with Charges in Pune
  5. Top Maternity Packages with Cost in Chandigarh
  6. Top Maternity/ Delivery packages with Charges in Gurgaon
  7. Best Pregnancy Packages in Noida

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the warning signs of gestational diabetes during pregnancy?

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.

What happens if you fail a glucose tolerance test in pregnancy?

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.

What should gestational diabetes levels be after 2 hours?

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.

What happens after being diagnosed with gestational diabetes?

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.

Get the right solution today

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Maternity
Gynaecology
Fertility
Neonatal Care
Paediatric Care
NICU
PICU
Radiology
Physiotherapy
Nutrition and Dietetics
Breastfeeding Support
Allied Services
Stem Cell Banking
Bengaluru
Chandigarh
Chennai
Faridabad
Ghaziabad
Gurugram
Hyderabad
Jalandhar
Lucknow
Ludhiana
Mumbai
New Delhi
Noida
Panchkula
Pune
//form validation// //form validation 2//