UNDERSTANDING YOUR glucose tolerance test (GTT) results

GTT (Glucose Tolerance Test)DietCommon Questions
Written By Malama Health

Help. What do my Glucose Tolerance Test Results mean?

Unpacking the dreaded glucose tolerance test, and what to do next if you “fail” the screening

Glucose Tolerance Test

Malama cofounder’s GTT results:

This was my glucose tolerance test in my first pregnancy (spoiler alert: I passed with my second pregnancy thanks to early tracking with Malama Health’s app)

What is the GTT?

The glucose tolerance test (GTT) is a standard prenatal test that checks for gestational diabetes, a condition that can develop during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can lead to complications during pregnancy and birth, but it can be managed with proper medical care and lifestyle changes.

The GTT involves drinking liquid sugar (Glucola) and then having your blood sugar levels tested at regular intervals. The results of this test can help your healthcare provider diagnose gestational diabetes or determine if you are at risk for developing it.

When will I be tested?

Gestational diabetes usually develops around the 24th week of pregnancy, so you’ll probably be tested between 24 and 28 weeks. If you’re at higher risk for gestational diabetes, your doctor may test you earlier.

Understanding Glucose Tolerance Tests: One-Step Approach and Two-Step Approach

There are different versions of the GTT - the One-Step and Two-Step Approaches. The most common one is a two-step process, although your doctor decides which is best for you based on your health and history

Two-Step Test:

How long does the test take?

The first step involves drinking a glucose solution and then having your blood sugar levels checked after an hour. If your blood sugar levels are elevated, you will be asked to return for a longer version of the test. The second step involves fasting overnight and then drinking a more concentrated glucose solution. Your blood sugar levels will be checked before drinking the solution and then at regular intervals over the next three hours.

I failed 2 of 4 readings. Does this mean I have gestational diabetes?

If two or more of your readings are abnormal, you’ll be diagnosed with gestational diabetes and you’ll need to talk to your practitioner about a treatment plan. This chart shows the levels that the American Diabetes Association considers abnormal at each interval of the test:

Interval Abnormal reading

Fasting 95 mg/dl or higher

One hour 180 mg/dl or higher

Two hours 155 mg/dl or higher

Three hours 140 mg/dl or higher

One-Step Approach

The One-Step Approach, it involves a 75-gram Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) performed after an overnight fast of 8 hours or more.

They will test your blood glucose before and after you take the sweet drink twice: The test checks to see how high your glucose is 1 hour and 2 hours after you drank it.

If any of these numbers are higher, it might mean you have a kind of diabetes called gestational diabetes:

  • Before eating: 92 mg/dL or more

  • After 1 hour: 180 mg/dL or more

  • After 2 hours: 153 mg/dL or more

If even one number is high, you might have gestational diabetes and you’ll need to talk to your practitioner about a treatment plan.

Am I required to take it, or can I opt out?

According to the **[Cleveland Clinic](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/9696-glucose-test-pregnancy#:~:text=Yes%2C you can refuse the,your provider diagnose gestational diabetes.)**, you can refuse the glucose screening. However, most major medical associations and pregnancy care providers recommend all pregnant people be screened for gestational diabetes. Glucose screenings are the only way to help your provider diagnose gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes puts you and the fetus at risk for complications.

What does it mean if my GTT results are inconclusive?

Sometimes, the results of the GTT are inconclusive. This may happen if you throw up during the test or if your blood sugar levels are not stable. Your healthcare provider may recommend further testing or monitoring to determine if you have gestational diabetes.

It's important to remember that the GTT is just one tool in diagnosing gestational diabetes. Your healthcare provider will also consider your medical history, symptoms, and other factors when making a diagnosis. With proper medical care and lifestyle changes, psychological and emotional support, and tools like these apps that make managing gestational diabetes easier, you can have a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Choosing the Right Approach

Deciding between the One-Step Approach and the Two-Step Approach involves careful consideration of the patient's medical history, risk factors, and consultation with healthcare professionals. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) supports the Two-Step Approach, highlighting its potential benefits in certain cases.

Sources:

Malama Health https://heymalama.co
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