Your doctor may test for diabetes at your first prenatal visit. If you are at average risk for gestational diabetes, your doctor may order a screening test during your second trimester, between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.
To diagnose gestational diabetes, your doctor may ask for some blood tests. These may include:
Initial glucose challenge test: You will drink a syrupy glucose solution. One hour later, you will have a blood test to measure your blood sugar level. If your blood sugar level is higher than normal, it only means that you have a higher risk of gestational diabetes. You will need a glucose tolerance test to determine if you have gestational diabetes.
Follow up glucose tolerance testing: You will have to fast overnight and then have your blood sugar level measured. You will drink a sweet solution and your blood sugar level will be checked every hour for three hours. If at least two of the blood sugar readings are higher than normal, you will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
If you are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, you may need more frequent doctor check-ups. These are most likely to occur during the last three months of pregnancy, when your doctor will monitor your blood sugar level and your baby's health.