What is gestational diabetes and how will I be tested for it?

The glucose test is performed to test gestational diabetes (GD). The test is usually administered between 26 to 28 weeks. To take the test, you need to fast overnight for at least 8 hours before the OGTT. Two tubes of blood will be drawn, then you will be given some kind of drink and another two tubes of blood will be drawn after 2 hours. If your first blood sample showed a blood glucose level of greater than 5.5mmol/l and the second was above 9mml/l you will be diagnosed as having gestational diabetes. I have a friend who was given this test because of her family history of diabetes. Turns out she was at risk of getting gestational diabetes and had to monitor her blood sugar level. Towards the later part of her pregnancy, she had gestational diabetes and had to take insulin shots to help maintain her blood sugar level. She also had to control her diet, keeping to a low amount of carbohydrates (and choosing complex carbs over simple carbs) but balanced diet. She also tried to keep active by walking more and taking the stairs (rather than lifts or elevators) as much as possible. She gave birth to a healthy baby boy naturally and fortunately, it went away and did not develop into type 2 diabetes.