AN OVERVIEW
About GCT Test
Why is Glucose Challenge Test Pregnancy (GCT) Done?
The main reason behind the introduction of the GCT test is to ensure healthy pregnancy and babies for pregnant women. The testing usually is recommended by doctors during the second trimester for the mothers to be, between 24 to 28 weeks. However, if the doctors recognize additional visible signs of gestational diabetes, an early screening test through GCT is carried out in the initial prenatal stage itself.
If the disease is not treated on time, it can lead to severe complications, like increased pressure, and other risk factors can also be elevated, resulting in the risk of life for both mother as well as the baby. Additionally, the risk of having a baby with increased weight is also possible, if the mother has gestational diabetes.
What does Glucose Challenge Test Pregnancy (GCT) Measure?
As a pregnant woman, a GCT test is very essential, as it measures the reaction of the pregnant woman’s body to glucose. It is used by doctors to identify any possible abnormalities in pregnant women by observing the bodys reactions and its ability to handle glucose post each meal. If anyone is looking for GCT test near me, you do not need much preparation, but the results can be highly crucial in determining your course of action for the treatment to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes to a bare minimum.
As this GCT test is primarily conducted during the second trimester of pregnancy, it helps in early diagnosis of the potential harm of adverse reaction of the body to glucose. It further helps reduce the possible complications in the long term for both the mother as well as the baby. It is therefore recommended to consult a doctor about getting a GCT test completed as part of your screening procedure to ensure a healthy baby.
Risk/side effects of Glucose Challenge Test Pregnancy (GCT)
Other than the stress of the GCT test price, people also stress about the potential risks or side effects involved in the medical procedure conducted for the GCT test. The process is completed with the help of a blood sample collection, which is a very less invasive procedure and thus does not pose any serious risks. However, some patients do experience initial discomforts like soreness, light bruising, dizziness, or bleeding, but none of these side effects are long-lasting and resolve very quickly.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FAQs
What are some of the factors that can impact the test results of my next GCT test?
According to clinicians and medical experts, there are multiple factors that can impact the accuracy of the results achieved on your GCD test. These are too much food consumption before the test, lack of physical activity, involvement of different medications, etc.
Is it mandatory to get your glucose tested during pregnancy with GCT?
Almost all doctors recommend the GCT test for pregnant women as it helps treat any potential chances of gestational diabetes. However, you do have the right to say no if you do not wish to screen for this glucose test.
What are some of the common signs and symptoms of gestational diabetes?
For most pregnant women, the common signs include unusual thirst, nausea, bladder, vagina or skin infections, frequent urination, blurred vision, etc.
THINGS TO KNOW AFTER GETTING TESTED
Interpreting Glucose Challenge Test Pregnancy (GCT) Results
As important as it is to find the right GCT test, some patients also are interested to know the GCT test price in Chandigarh and how to analyze the test results to have a better understanding of the health condition. If you are taking a GCT test anytime soon, here are some important pointers to remember.
- If the test results indicate the level of glucose or sugar to be below 140 mg/dL, the test results are considered to be in range and standard for pregnant women.
- If the test results on your GCT test indicate a glucose or sugar level to be between 140 mg/dL to any range less than 190 mg/dL, it might require the patient to participate in another three-hour glucose tolerance test to narrow down the chances for gestational diabetes.
- If the test results indicate a level of glucose or sugar of 190 mg/dL or above, it highlights the highest potential of gestational diabetes for the patient as a conclusive diagnosis.
| Test Results | Potential Diagnosis |
| <140 mg/dL | Standard range, NORMAL |
| Between 140 mg/dL to <190 mg/dL | Higher chances of diabetes, further testing required |
| >190 mg/dL | Positive Detection of Gestational Diabetes, no further testing required |
Glucose Challenge Test Pregnancy (GCT) In Chandigarh
Starts from 30*
A GCT test is an essential one-hour-long test or medical procedure necessary to determine the body’s reaction to glucose/ sugar. It is an important test for pregnant women to screen for any potential probability of gestational diabetes. Even though this form of diabetes is not harmful and almost all women deliver healthy babies even with this form of diabetes, it is recommended to be carefully managed to avoid unwanted complications at the time of labor.
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