Question
How are gestational diabetes standard values determined? Are there risks associated with gestational diabetes?
Answer
The determination of gestational diabetes standard values is as follows:
- Glucose Screen Test: After taking 50g of glucose by mouth, the venous blood glucose level is measured 1 hour later. A blood glucose value of ≥7.8 mmol/L indicates an abnormal glucose screen, and further oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) should be conducted.
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT): The diagnostic criteria used during pregnancy have not been unified. Currently, China uses a 75g OGTT. The diagnostic criteria are: after fasting for 8-14 hours, fasting blood glucose is checked, 75g of glucose is dissolved in 200-300ml of water and consumed within 5 minutes, and venous blood is drawn at 1 and 2 hours respectively to check plasma glucose levels. The normal values at the three time points are 5.1, 10.0, and 8.5 mmol/L, respectively. If one or more of these values exceed the normal range, gestational diabetes can be diagnosed.
- Fasting Blood Glucose Measurement: Two or more fasting blood glucose measurements of ≥5.8 mmol/L can diagnose gestational diabetes. Regarding the risks associated with gestational diabetes, high blood sugar significantly increases the incidence of macrosomia, leading to higher rates of difficult labor, vaginal injury, and cesarean sections; if diabetic ketoacidosis occurs, it poses risks to both the mother and the fetus or newborn.