Glucose Test during pregnancy (MGTT)

SUGAR WATER

Glucose or meal glucose intolerence test (MGTT) is usually done once by pregnant woman during their 2nd trimester but for me since:-

1) I'll be 40 years old when I deliver
2) I gained a lot of weight during my first trimester

I have to do 2 times (once in 2nd and another in 3rd trimester).

It's mandatorily done by Malaysian government clinics but not private clinics. Not sure the reason but possibly because Malaysia is trying to control the number of diabetics in the country.

Cos if the mom is diabetic during her pregnancy, chances are high that the fetus will also be diabetic. By doing this screening, if it's true that the mom is diabetic, then the government can immediately step in, either through education on proper diet or medication.

Also diabetic fetus will also be bigger in size thus making it harder for the woman to deliver later.

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WHAT IS THE TEST?
In summary, compare 2 blood samples of before and after drinking a glass of sugar water.

TO BE PRECISED, IT'S:-
Basically the test is done by taking a blood sample first thing in the morning after a 10 hour fast.
Usually the fast begins at 10pm the night before for a test at 8am in the morning.

Then you'll be asked to drink a cup of warm sugar water (very sweet).

You'll be ask to rest / sit for 2 hours. During this 2 hours, try not to move too much and if you feel uncomfortable, you may even lie down.

This is especially a problem for pregnant woman who have morning sickness. That is why the test is usually done in the 2nd trimester.

Important note:-

a) not to vomit during this 2 hours, you'll have to ABORT the test and schedule another day for the test.

b) during these 2 hours, you cannot eat or drink anything.

c) If you can successfully hold in the sugar water, then another blood sample must be taken within the 2 hours. If longer, again the result is not that accurate.

Basically a comparison of glucose level in these 2 blood samples will show if your body can successfully process the glucose or not.

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SIDE NOTE - can you drink water during the fast?
I have obtained differing views from the websites.

My nurse say I can have sips but the UK sites states that drinking water is not a problem.

VERDICT on drinking water:-

You can drink all you want before 10pm but by next morning, just have enough to quench your thirst.

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So what happens if the result is NOT NORMAL?

I will be blogging on it, cos I failed my second test :(

So to all pregnant women out there, it's always good to watch the amount of carbohydrate that we eat and the sweet drinks that we drink.. specifically white rice, milo and carbonated drinks.

UPDATE:- since I failed the test, I have to do BSP (blood sugar profile). Click what-happens-if-failed-glucose-test for more info.