Gestational Diabetes Blood Sugar Levels Chart

How Is Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Diagnosed

The American Diabetes Association recommends screening for undiagnosed type 2 diabetes at the first prenatal visit in women with diabetes risk factors. In pregnant women not known to have diabetes, GDM testing should be performed at 24 to 28 weeks of gestation.

In addition, women with diagnosed GDM should be screened for persistent diabetes 6 to 12 weeks postpartum. It is also recommended that women with a history of GDM undergo lifelong screening for the development of diabetes or prediabetes at least every three years.

See A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

If you dont already see a dietitian, you should start seeing one before you get pregnant. Your dietitian can help you learn what to eat, how much to eat, and when to eat to reach or stay at a healthy weight before you get pregnant. Together, you and your dietitian will create a meal plan to fit your needs, schedule, food preferences, medical conditions, medicines, and physical activity routine.

During pregnancy, some women need to make changes in their meal plan, such as adding extra calories, protein, and other nutrients. You will need to see your dietitian every few months during pregnancy as your dietary needs change.

When To See A Healthcare Provider

If your test results reveal that you have type 1, type 2, or gestational diabetes, it is vital to speak to your doctor about establishing a comprehensive treatment plan.

This plan should include diabetes self-management education and support services, as well as clear steps you can take to ensure that you are in the best state of health. However, if you have prediabetes or want to prevent diabetic issues, you should modify your lifestyle and avoid the outcome of the condition.

Maintaining blood glucose levels within your target range is the main objective. Your doctor will specify your desired range. The type of diabetes, age, and presence of problems all affect the target level. For example, your blood sugar levels will be lower if you have gestational diabetes than in other forms of diabetes.

As per research, physical exercise is crucial for managing diabetes. Find out from your doctor how many minutes you should exercise per week. Nutrition is also vital. You must also keep an eye on your cholesterol and blood pressure.

Also Check: Low Blood Pressure And Erectile Dysfunction

What Is Hemoglobin A1c

Hemoglobin A1C is a lab test. It indicates an average blood glucose reading for the last 90 days. It is done when you find out you have diabetes, and every 3 months after that at clinic visits. A person without diabetes has a Hemoglobin A1C of less than 5.6%.

The chart below shows the Hemoglobin A1C result compared with the blood glucose number.

Target Blood Sugar Levels For Children And Adolescents With Diabetes

Age 6-12 Bedtime 100-180

Kids aged 6 to 12 should have blood sugar levels that range between 80 to 180 mg/dL over the course of a day. Blood sugar levels go up after eating a meal because the body breaks down carbohydrates into glucose, which is then distributed throughout the bloodstream. Other macronutrientsprotein and fatturn into glucose as well, but at a slower rate. Many people learn how to use these factors to their advantage. For example, if a childs sugar is trending low, a bedtime snack that includes something with protein and fat, like chocolate milk or peanut butter, will help raise blood sugar levels and help keep blood sugar levels steady through the night.

When you wake up in the morning, your fasting blood sugar is generally at its lowest because you havent consumed food for about eight hours. However, many people experience an increase in blood sugar levels in the early morning hours. If youre an adult and struggling with glucose control, your healthcare provider can help you develop a treatment plan to manage your blood sugar better.

Blood glucose levels outside the ranges listed above are categorized as either high or low blood sugar. For example, according to this chart, blood sugar levels are considered high if theyre over 130 mg/dL before a meal or 180 mg/dL within one to two hours after a meal. Many people wont start to experience symptoms from high blood sugar until their levels are at 250 mg/dL or higher. .

Don’t Miss: What Is Mpv On Blood Work

Monitoring Your Own Glucose Levels

Breadcrumb

HomePregnancyHubPregnancy complicationsGestational diabetes Monitoring your own glucose levels

You measure your glucose levels through a finger-prick test. You should have been shown how to do this when you were told that you had gestational diabetes. You will also have discussed the ideal blood glucose levels for you during your pregnancy.

The ideal target glucose levels are below but your team may have talked to you about your individual target level:

• fasting: 5.3 mmol/litre
• 1 hour after meals: 7.8 mmol/litre
• 2 hours after meals: 6.4 mmol/litre.

What Is Diabetic Ketoacidosis

Ketones are produced when you are taking diabetes medication or insulin and can be harmful. Theyre produced due to the insufficient supply of glucose in your body and the extra energy required to do normal bodily functions. For instance, ketones can be produced when your liver processes fat, or they can be produced in the lack of ketones if youre trying to lose weight.

Don’t Miss: Blood Sugar Level A1c Chart

What Is The Two

The two-hour glucose tolerance test is basically a shortened version of the three-hour tolerance test. If you get this test, you likely won’t do the screening test first, which is why the two-hour version is sometimes referred to as the “one-step” glucose tolerance test.

Overnight fast: Typically you’re instructed to eat a late meal the night before the test and then to eat or drink nothing after that, except for sips of water. The fasting period is usually 8 to 14 hours before the test, so you’ll want to schedule the test for first thing in the morning.

Here’s what to expect at the lab:

• First blood draw: When you arrive for the test, a blood sample is taken to measure your fasting blood glucose level.
• Sweet drink: Next, you’ll drink a very sweet drink, which usually contains 75 grams of glucose.
• Two more blood draws: Your blood will be drawn at one hour and two hours after the drink.
• Results: If any of your blood sugar readings are abnormal you will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes.

This chart shows the levels that the American Diabetes Association considers abnormal at each interval of the two-hour glucose tolerance test :

When Does A Person Need To Have Their Blood Glucose Measured With This Test

Prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes and gestational diabetes often have no symptoms at first. A person can have the condition and not know it. Healthcare providers usually order a fasting blood sugar test:

• As part of a standard annual physical examination to monitor a persons blood glucose over time.
• For pregnant women to ensure that pregnancy hormones are not causing diabetes.
• When a person has symptoms of diabetes, a family history of diabetes or risk factors for diabetes .
• When a person has had a previous blood glucose level that was higher than normal.

Recommended Reading: Symptoms Of High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy

Random Blood Sugar Test

The Random Blood Sugar test is done any time of the day outside the regular testing timetable. Medical professionals recommend using this test to confirm the presence of diabetes during and after the treatment of diabetes. A level of 200 mg/dl or greater indicates diabetes mellitus.

The primary objective of the RBS test is to check random blood sugar levels. The test helps treat the disease via timely monitoring during and after treatment. The random blood sugar level test is recommended if an individual complains of any of the following signs:

Remedies For High Sugar Level

If the blood sugar level is between 180 to250 mg/dL, seek medical advice and take medicines. Cut off a fast-acting carb diet. Dont take processed food and sugary items.

If the blood sugar level is> 250 mg/dL, you need immediate medical attention. If left untreated, it can lead to coma and high ketones in the blood. So test for ketones and get insulin therapy as soon as possible.

If you experience high sugar levels on regular basis, you are advised to do the following:

Many diabetic patients are aware of the changes they need to make in their diet or daily routine but are not able to follow them due to various reasons. Lack of motivation and proper knowledge is the most common reasons. A constant push from a diabetes reversal coach along with the guidance of a Diabetologist can help regulate blood sugar levels.

Also Read:HbA1c Levels

You May Like: What Causes Blood To Hemolyze

Target Blood Glucose Levels Before Pregnancy

When youre planning to become pregnant, your daily blood glucose targets may be different than your previous targets. Ask your health care team which targets are right for you.

You can keep track of your blood glucose levels using My Daily Blood Glucose Record. You can also use an electronic blood glucose tracking system on your computer or mobile device. Record the results every time you check your blood glucose. Your blood glucose records can help you and your health care team decide whether your diabetes care plan is working. You also can make notes about your insulin and ketones. Take your tracker with you when you visit your health care team.

Blood Sugar Testing Explained

A person can check their blood sugar levels at any time with blood glucose testing.

People with gestational diabetes can test their blood sugar levels similarly to people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes at home with a blood glucose monitor. Using a drop of blood, a blood glucose monitor measures and displays the level of sugar in a persons blood.

Also Check: In Blood Work What Is Mpv

Why Does Alcohol Lower Blood Sugar

DM In T1DM, there is cellular mediated, autoimmune destruction of pancreatic beta cells The major histocompatibility complicated , also called human leukocyte antigens , is reported to account for about forty to 50 of the familial aggregation of T1DM.

As already mentioned, steroids is usually a frequent cause as properly as beta blockers Both drugs could cause the liver to become resistant to insulin, which causes an analogous influence as type 1 diabetes Cystic fibrosis some cystic fibrosis sufferers develop hyperglycemia when utilizing sure steroids or immunosuppressants These medicines could cause a spike in blood sugar ranges and signs are usually increased thirst and urination Gestational Diabetes Sugar Levels Chart Hyperglycemia is a brief issue for cystic fibrosis patients when treated Type 1 diabetes sort 1 diabetes is a much less common condition with around 5 of Americans getting it as opposed to more than that having kind 2 diabetes.

Knowing your blood sugar ranges helps you manage your diabetes and reduces your threat of having severe problems now and in the future Gestational diabetes calculator checks publish prandial and fasting blood sugar stage to tell if you have being pregnant diabetes Know about gestational diabetes diet and extra utilizing this calculator.

How Can Diabetes Affect My Baby

A babys organs, such as the brain, heart, kidneys, and lungs, start forming during the first 8 weeks of pregnancy. High blood glucose levels can be harmful during this early stage and can increase the chance that your baby will have birth defects, such as heart defects or defects of the brain or spine.

High blood glucose levels during pregnancy can also increase the chance that your baby will be born too early, weigh too much, or have breathing problems or low blood glucose right after birth.

High blood glucose also can increase the chance that you will have a miscarriage or a stillborn baby.1 Stillborn means the baby dies in the womb during the second half of pregnancy.

Recommended Reading: At What Blood Pressure Should You Go To The Hospital

Impact Of Adoption Of Iadpsg Criteria

Since the publication of the IADPSG consensus thresholds, there have been numerous retrospective studies that have examined the impact of adoption of these criteria. It is difficult to apply the results of these studies to clinical practice due to their retrospective nature and the wide variation in the comparison groups used. In all of these studies, adoption of IADPSG criteria has led to an increase in the number of cases diagnosed while the impact on perinatal outcomes is inconsistent . Studies comparing pregnancy outcomes before and after changing from a variety of different GDM diagnostic criteria to the IADPSG criteria show differing results. LGA was lower in 1 study and caesarean delivery was lower in several studies after adoption of the IADPSG criteria. However, others did not find reductions in LGA , and 1 study found an increase in primary caesarean section rate .

Given this lack of evidence, it is possible that the decision regarding the recommended screening method will be determined by the economic implications on health-care resources. Decision analysis modelling studies done in other countries have yielded a variety of results and many are of questionable applicability in the Canadian setting because of differing cost and screening and diagnostic strategies.

Monitoring Blood Glucose Levels While Pregnant

It is important to monitor your blood glucose levels at home to check that management of gestational diabetes is keeping your blood glucose levels within the target range. Your Credentialled Diabetes Educator can show you how to check your blood glucose levels and help you understand your blood glucose patterns. This is to ensure appropriate treatment can be administered and changed as necessary.

Your doctor or Credentialled Diabetes Educator will advise you on recommended blood glucose target levels and testing times.

If your blood glucose levels cannot be managed by healthy eating and physical activity alone, your doctor may suggest medication. Most diabetes tablets are not suitable for use during pregnancy, but insulin injections and/or a medication called metformin may be required to help manage your gestational diabetes.

You May Like: Type 2 Diabetes Age Range

Don’t Miss: Blood In Urine 4 Months After Prostatectomy

What Are Clinical Trials And Are They Right For You

Clinical trials are part of clinical research and at the heart of all medical advances. Clinical trials look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease. Researchers also use clinical trials to look at other aspects of care, such as improving the quality of life for people with chronic illnesses. Find out if clinical trials are right for you.

Treatments For Gestational Diabetes

If you have gestational diabetes, the chances of having problems with your pregnancy can be reduced by controlling your blood sugar levels.

Youll be given a blood sugar testing kit so you can monitor the effects of treatment.

Blood sugar levels may be reduced by changing your diet and exercise routine. However, if these changes dont lower your blood sugar levels enough, you will need to take medicine as well. This may be tablets or insulin injections.

Youll also be more closely monitored during your pregnancy and birth to check for any potential problems.

If you have gestational diabetes, its best to give birth before 41 weeks. Induction of labour or a caesarean section may be recommended if labour does not start naturally by this time.

Earlier delivery may be recommended if there are concerns about your or your babys health or if your blood sugar levels have not been well controlled.

Don’t Miss: Bright Red Blood Clots In Stool

Fasting Blood Glucose Level Test Preparation

What should you do if your doctor orders a fasting blood sugar test? The preparation is the same as when you take a fasting test for cholesterol. First, be sure to find out if you need to schedule an appointment for your test . Ask your doctor what time is best to take it.

Then:

• Schedule your test if necessary
• Ask your doctor if you need to change any of the medications you take on the morning of the test
• If you normally drink coffee or have caffeine, ask your doctor if that is okay. It may not be, since it affects blood sugar levels
• Fast for at least 8 hours before your test. Usually, an overnight fast is most convenient
• You can drink water

How Do You Test For Gestational Diabetes

Prenatal care screenings for gestational diabetes occur throughout pregnancy. Oral glucose tolerance tests are often done in later trimesters. Also, glucose monitoring is done throughout follow-up visits with health care providers if gestational diabetes is suspected.

Pregnant women drink a sugary solution on a fasted stomach for this test. Healthcare professionals draw a blood sample to check fasting glucose levels.

Other types of blood glucose testing include fasting blood sugar tests, glucose tolerance tests, and A1C tests. The fasting blood sugar and glucose tolerance tests use milligrams per deciliter or millimoles per liter .

The A1C test, or HbA1C test, measures average blood sugar levels over a few months, typically two to three months. It is one of the most definitive blood glucose tests. The A1C is measured as a percentage.

Target Levels per Glucose Test

Read Also: Blood Test For Tumor Marker