Gestational Diabetes - Examination (OGTT)

About the Screening

Information regarding a glucose tolerance test for pregnant women who may be at risk of developing gestational diabetes.

The examination takes place in Section 3004 (Entrance 3, ground floor). Upon arrival, you can check in at the check-in kiosk in Section 3004. You therefore do not need to go to Section 4002 to check in.

Briefly about the examination

Since you are at an increased risk of developing diabetes during your pregnancy, you are offered an examination to measure your blood sugar. For this examination, you will need to drink a sugar solution consisting of water mixed with sugar. We also refer to this examination as a glucose tolerance test or glucose challenge.

The examination takes approximately 2½ hours.

There are various reasons why gestational diabetes may develop. The likelihood is higher for women who:

• had a BMI over 27 before pregnancy
• have a family history of diabetes
• previously gave birth to a child weighing over 4500 grams
• have had gestational diabetes in the past
• have or have had sugar in their urine during pregnancy
• are expecting more than one child
• suffer from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Important Preparation

Eat as you normally would for the 3 days leading up to the examination.

The evening before the examination:
You must fast before the examination. This means that:

• from 10:00 PM the night before the examination, you must stop eating. This also applies to chewing gum, candies, and lozenges
• from 10:00 PM the night before the examination, you may drink water, but otherwise you must stop drinking all other types of cold and hot liquids.
• If you take epilepsy medication, you may take it with a little water. You must wait to take all other medication until after the examination.

Contact us if you become ill, develop a fever, or take antibiotics
If you become ill or take antibiotics, we cannot perform the examination. You must therefore call us no later than the morning of the day of the examination so we can schedule a new appointment for you. See the telephone number under contact information.

Bring reading material and a small snack
It is a good idea to bring a book, a magazine, or other entertainment to help pass the time while you wait. We also recommend that you bring a small amount of food to eat when the examination is finished.

At the Hospital

The examination itself
You must drink 2–3 dl of sugar water within 5 minutes. Afterward, you must wait for 2 hours.

Discomfort during the examination
Some women feel a little unwell or experience nausea after drinking the sugar water. Lying down can help. We will find a place for you to rest if you feel unwell.

Stay calm and relaxed
You must stay at the hospital while you wait. It is important that you remain calm and relaxed, as too much physical activity can affect the test results, but you must not fall asleep. You are welcome to use the restroom.

You must not eat, drink, or smoke
You must not eat, drink, or smoke while you wait, as this affects your blood sugar. You are permitted to chew sugar-free chewing gum.

We will measure your blood sugar
After approximately 2 hours, we will measure your blood sugar by a prick with a needle in your finger or earlobe. You will get the results immediately. If you have gestational diabetes, we will discuss your subsequent care plan with you.