Question 1

What is Gestational Diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy when the body cannot produce enough insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. It is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy that make cells more resistant to insulin, combined with insufficient insulin production by the pancreas. The Hemoglobin A1c test is the most important blood test for monitoring gestational diabetes because it reveals average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months.

Question 2

What causes gestational diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Gestational diabetes is caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy that affect how your body processes insulin. During pregnancy, the placenta produces hormones like human placental lactogen, estrogen, and cortisol that help the baby develop but also block insulin action in the mother's body, creating insulin resistance. When the pancreas cannot produce enough extra insulin to overcome this resistance, blood sugar levels rise and gestational diabetes develops, typically in the second or third trimester when these hormonal changes peak.

Question 3

What is the best test for gestational diabetes?

Accepted Answer

The Hemoglobin A1c test is the most important blood test for monitoring gestational diabetes because it measures your average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months by detecting glucose attached to hemoglobin in red blood cells. This test provides a comprehensive picture of blood sugar control throughout pregnancy, unlike single-point glucose tests that only capture your levels at one moment in time. While the oral glucose tolerance test remains the standard for initial diagnosis, the Hemoglobin A1c test is essential for ongoing management and helps your healthcare provider assess whether your treatment plan is effectively controlling your blood sugar to prevent complications for both you and your baby.

Question 4

When should I get tested for gestational diabetes?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you are between 24 and 28 weeks pregnant, as this is when gestational diabetes typically develops and screening is routinely recommended. Earlier testing may be needed if you have risk factors such as being overweight, having a family history of diabetes, previously delivering a baby weighing over 9 pounds, or having had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy. You should also get tested if you experience symptoms like excessive thirst, frequent urination, unusual fatigue, or blurred vision during pregnancy, even if you are not yet at 24 weeks.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of gestational diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Gestational diabetes often causes no noticeable symptoms, which is why routine screening during pregnancy is so important. When symptoms do occur, you might experience increased thirst, frequent urination beyond normal pregnancy levels, unusual fatigue that feels more intense than typical pregnancy tiredness, and blurred vision. Some women notice recurring yeast infections or have excessive hunger despite eating regularly, though these symptoms can easily be mistaken for normal pregnancy changes.

Question 6

Who is at risk for gestational diabetes?

Accepted Answer

Women who are overweight or obese before pregnancy have the highest risk of developing gestational diabetes. Other risk factors include being over age 25, having a family history of type 2 diabetes, previously delivering a baby weighing more than 9 pounds, having had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy, and being of certain ethnic backgrounds including Hispanic, African American, Native American, Asian, or Pacific Islander descent. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome or prediabetes before pregnancy also face increased risk.

Question 7

What happens if gestational diabetes is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated gestational diabetes can lead to serious complications for both you and your baby. Your baby may grow excessively large (macrosomia), making delivery difficult and increasing the risk of cesarean section, birth injuries, and shoulder dystocia. The baby faces higher risks of low blood sugar at birth, breathing problems, jaundice, and developing obesity or type 2 diabetes later in life. For you, untreated gestational diabetes increases risks of preeclampsia, preterm delivery, and developing type 2 diabetes after pregnancy, with up to 50% of women with gestational diabetes eventually developing permanent diabetes.

Question 8

Can gestational diabetes be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, gestational diabetes is diagnosed through blood tests that measure how your body processes glucose. The standard diagnostic approach involves a glucose challenge test where you drink a glucose solution and have your blood sugar tested one hour later, followed by a glucose tolerance test if results are elevated. The Hemoglobin A1c blood test provides additional valuable information by measuring your average blood glucose levels over the past 2-3 months, helping healthcare providers monitor long-term glucose control throughout your pregnancy and assess how well treatment is working.

Question 9

How is gestational diabetes treated?

Accepted Answer

Gestational diabetes is primarily treated through careful monitoring of blood sugar levels, dietary modifications, and regular physical activity. You will need to check your blood sugar multiple times daily and follow a balanced meal plan that distributes carbohydrates throughout the day to keep glucose levels stable. Moderate exercise like walking after meals helps your body use insulin more effectively. If diet and exercise alone do not control your blood sugar levels, your healthcare provider may prescribe insulin injections or, less commonly, oral diabetes medications that are safe during pregnancy.

Question 10

How can I prevent gestational diabetes?

Accepted Answer

While gestational diabetes cannot always be prevented due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, you can reduce your risk by reaching a healthy weight before pregnancy if you are overweight. Staying physically active with at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week, both before and during pregnancy, significantly lowers risk. Eating a balanced diet rich in whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats while limiting refined carbohydrates and sugary foods helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and supports healthy insulin function throughout pregnancy.

Question 11

What can I do at home for gestational diabetes?

Accepted Answer

At home, you can manage gestational diabetes by monitoring your blood sugar levels as directed by your healthcare provider, typically four times daily before and after meals. Focus on eating small, frequent meals with balanced portions of complex carbohydrates, lean protein, and healthy fats to keep blood sugar stable throughout the day. Take a 10-15 minute walk after meals to help your body use glucose more effectively, stay well-hydrated with water, and get adequate sleep as rest helps regulate blood sugar levels. Keep a log of your food intake, blood sugar readings, and physical activity to identify patterns and share with your healthcare team.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Gestational Diabetes Blood Test

What is Gestational Diabetes?

What causes gestational diabetes?

What is the best test for gestational diabetes?

When should I get tested for gestational diabetes?

References

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