This is just one example of a Glucometer. There are many types available on the market.
Gestational diabetes is carbohydrate intolerance during pregnancy. It can affect 5-15% of women during pregnancy. There are some risk factors for gestational diabetes including being overweight prior to pregnancy, twin pregnancies (multiples) a strong family history of diabetes, a previous history of gestational diabetes or a history of pre-diabetes, a history of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and some ethnic groups are at higher risk. It is typically diagnosed during the third trimester of pregnancy, but if you have a risk factor, earlier testing is recommended.
Patients will take a glucose screening around 28 weeks. This is a random one hour test following a 50 gram load of glucose. Some providers may use a 2 hour 75 gram glucose tolerance test. If you do not pass the 50 gram screening, you will need to follow up with a 3 hour diagnostic test. The 75 gram glucose test is a one step pass or fail test.
Once diagnosed, a diet will be provided to follow and patients will need to check their blood sugars using a glucometer four times daily. These values will need to be recorded.
If diet is not successful, medications can be used to control the blood sugars. Some patients will need oral medications and others may need insulin.
Calculate body mass index to determine if you are overweight.