When is the 3-hour glucose test typically conducted?

When is the 3-hour glucose test typically conducted?

• A. During the first trimester
• B. After a diagnosis of diabetes is confirmed
• C. When results from initial glucose screening are abnormal
• D. Only after the baby is born

Answer: (C)

The three-hour glucose test is typically conducted when results from an initial glucose screening are abnormal. This test follows a two-step approach to diabetes screening during pregnancy. Initially, a one-hour glucose screening test is performed, and if this initial test shows high levels of glucose, the three-hour oral glucose tolerance test is administered for confirmation. The purpose of the three-hour glucose test is to assess how well the body can process glucose, and it helps determine if the expecting mother has gestational diabetes. If the first screening is within normal limits, there is no indication for the more extensive testing that the three-hour test involves. This approach ensures that only women who are at risk for gestational diabetes or those with abnormal screening results go on to have further testing, thereby also reducing unnecessary stress and potentially harmful protocols for those who are not affected.

The three-hour glucose test is typically conducted when results from an initial glucose screening are abnormal. This test follows a two-step approach to diabetes screening during pregnancy. Initially, a one-hour glucose screening test is performed, and if this initial test shows high levels of glucose, the three-hour oral glucose tolerance test is administered for confirmation.

The purpose of the three-hour glucose test is to assess how well the body can process glucose, and it helps determine if the expecting mother has gestational diabetes. If the first screening is within normal limits, there is no indication for the more extensive testing that the three-hour test involves.

This approach ensures that only women who are at risk for gestational diabetes or those with abnormal screening results go on to have further testing, thereby also reducing unnecessary stress and potentially harmful protocols for those who are not affected.