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The glycemic curve is a blood test accompanied by an oral test that measures glucose tolerance, normally used to investigate possible diabetes. The test looks at the body’s ability to process and assesses the amount of glucose in the blood after ingesting a larger load of the substance.
How to Take the Exam
The exam should always be performed on an 8 to 14 hour fast and in the morning. No physical exercise should be performed before the exam, as it may show changes in the blood.
Some medications should not be taken on the day before the exam or on the day of the exam, as is the case with the laxative. Its substances can cause unidentifiable changes in the examination of the glycemic curve. The procedure for examining the glycemic curve occurs initially with the collection of blood on an empty stomach, after which a nurse will bring a glass of sugary liquid similar to a glucose syrup that must be drunk immediately.
After a period, a new blood collection will be performed, the intervals will be requested and indicated by the doctor himself. The entire examination must be done with the patient lying or sitting comfortably as he is fasting for a long period and may experience dizziness and become nauseous due to the ingested drink.
Exam References
The reference values for an examination considered normal of the glycemic curve are:
- Fasting: the glucose found in the blood must be below 100 mg / Dl.
- Collection after 2 hours of glucose intake: up to 140 mg / dL
For altered results greater than 125 to 200 mg / dL, a condition of diabetes is already considered and normally a new exam is requested for confirmation and new collection.
Examination of Glycemic Curve in Pregnant Women
One of the tests of extreme importance during prenatal care is the examination of the glycemic curve in pregnant women. The test is requested to diagnose a possible type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes that existing during the gestational period can present great risks for both mother and baby.
As with an ordinary patient, the pregnant woman must fast for 8 hours. An amount of blood will be collected and then a dose of glucose must be ingested to perform a new blood collection.
In some cases, the test may take up to 4 hours and 2 to 3 blood samples are needed for analysis, and you must follow the medical request.
The exam should be performed with the pregnant woman lying down comfortably to avoid falls and unwellness . No food should be eaten during the exam period, nor water.
When to Take the Exam
Usually, the exam is requested around 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy (6 months), and can be requested again if the doctor considers it necessary until the end of the pregnancy. Glucose control and possible gestational diabetes are essential for a healthy pregnancy, since the elevation of glucose in this period can bring serious risks to the baby’s health.
They increase the risk of premature birth , of breaking the bag prematurely and end up growing more than expected. The risks of complications during childbirth also increase, as well as the chances of the baby having problems with hypoglycemia.
The reference values for the examination of the gestational glycemic curve are:
- Considered normal – less than 140 mg / dL
- Decreased glucose tolerance – between 140 and 199 mg / dL
- Considered diabetes – greater than 200 mg / dL
When the values end up showing changes higher than expected, it is common for the exam to be repeated after a few days for further analysis and exact confirmation. Adequate follow-up will be required and additional tests may be required.
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See also: Glycemia in Pregnancy – How to Care?
My name is Dr. Alexis Hart I am 38 years old, I am the mother of 3 beautiful children! Different ages, different phases 16 years, 12 years and 7 years. In love with motherhood since always, I found it difficult to make my dreams come true, and also some more after I was already a mother.
Since I imagined myself as a mother, in my thoughts everything seemed to be much easier and simpler than it really was, I expected to get pregnant as soon as I wished, but it wasn’t that simple. The first pregnancy was smooth, but my daughter’s birth was very troubled. Joana was born in 2002 with a weight of 2930kg and 45cm, from a very peaceful cesarean delivery but she had already been born with congenital pneumonia due to a broken bag not treated with antibiotics even before delivery.
