Gestational diabetes is also known as glucose intolerance of pregnancy. This is a temporary condition that sometimes occurs during pregnancy. Pregnant women that have never had diabetes before, but have high blood sugar levels within the period of pregnancy are most likely to have gestational diabetes.
There are several methods to diagnose gestational diabetes:
- Screening glucose challenge test
- Oral glucose tolerance test
- Fasting blood glucose or random blood glucose test
Screening Glucose Challenge Test
Gestational diabetes can be determined with the help of a glucose tolerance test (glucose challenge test). It is done in period from 24 weeks to 28 weeks of pregnancy. If the woman is at a high risk of developing gestational diabetes, the doctor may test the woman in 13 weeks of the pregnancy.
The glucose tolerance test requires drinking a glucose solution. After an hour, blood is taken from a vein in the arm. Then the glucose level is measured. If results show that woman has less than 140 milligrams per deciliter it means that she doesn’t have gestational diabetes and no further testing is required. In case if the woman, however has a blood sugar level higher than 140 milligrams per deciliter, she may have gestational diabetes, and might require a follow up test. It is called a 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
Your physician will give you special instructions to follow before having this test. You should eat normally for at least 3 days before this test. But before the procedure you are required to not eat anything for at least 8 hours. The physician will check your blood glucose level before the test. Then you have to drink a sugary beverage. Your blood glucose levels will be checked after 1 hour, after 2 hours, and after 3 hours. If your levels are above normal at least twice within the test, you have gestational diabetes.
Fasting Blood Glucose or Random Blood Glucose Test
This is another method for testing your blood glucose level. Before it, you will be asked to fast. It means that you should eat or drink nothing except water for at least 8 hours. The doctor may check your blood glucose at any time during the day. This is a random blood glucose test.
All these tests will allow you to know whether you have gestational diabetes or not. Regular physical activity helps your body to use glucose without extra insulin. This assists in combating insulin resistance. Nevertheless, you should consult your physician before taking any exercise program. | 
