Question
How can pregnant women check for gestational diabetes?
Answer
Gestational diabetes is typically checked between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. First, an oral glucose load of 50 grams is administered, and blood sugar levels are measured 30 minutes after the sugar intake. If the blood sugar level is below 7.8 mmol/L, gestational diabetes may be present, and further 100-gram glucose tolerance tests are required for confirmation. For patients with gestational diabetes, it is important to actively control blood sugar levels to prevent adverse effects of high blood pressure on the fetus. Three months after delivery, pregnant women can be classified into clinical types of diabetes based on their blood sugar levels.