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50 Gram Glucose Challenge

Women who are considered at risk for gestational diabetes are given a screening test called a 50 gram glucose challenge between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy (those with two or more risk factors for developing gestational diabetes during pregnancy may be tested earlier). The glucose challenge is performed by giving 50 grams of a glucose drink and then drawing a blood sample one hour later and measuring the level of blood glucose present. A blood sugar level of less than 140 mg/dl (7.8 mmol/l) at one hour is considered normal. Women with a blood sugar level greater than 140 mg/dl (7.8 mmol/l) may have gestational diabetes during pregnancy, and require a follow-up test called a 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

SOURCE:

1 - American Diabetes Association. ADA Standards of Medical Care in Diabetes - 2010. Diabetes Care, Volume 33, Supplement 1, January 2010.

Reviewed by Francine Kaufman, MD. 4/10