As India has become the diabetic capital of the world pregnant women should be aware of Diabetes during pregnancy which is also known as Gestational Diabetes (GDM).
During pregnancy, the normal levels of glucose are slightly lower compared to non-pregnant individuals. The American Diabetes Association (ADA) recommends the following target glucose levels for pregnant women:
– Fasting glucose: Less than 95 mg/dL (5.3 mmol/L)
– One hour after meals: Less than 140 mg/dL (7.8 mmol/L)
– Two hours after meals: Less than 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L)
– In India, all pregnant women are advised to go for blood glucose levels in all three Trimester ie before 12 weeks, between 24 to 28 weeks, and 32 to 34 weeks to detect GDM.
If the fasting Glucose level is more than 95 and the postprandial that is 2 hours after food is more than 120, one should become alert and visit the best gynecologist in Indore.
The test recommended in India is the Glucose challenge test or GCT. What is a test and how it is done is given in detail in another blog.