Glucose challenge test
Abbreviation: GCT
The glucose challenge test (GCT) is a quick screening test for gestational diabetes, usually done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. You drink a sweet glucose solution, and one hour later a blood sample is taken to measure how your body handled the sugar. You do not need to fast beforehand. If your blood sugar reading comes back above the threshold, you will be referred for a longer oral glucose tolerance test to confirm the diagnosis. The GCT itself does not diagnose gestational diabetes. It simply identifies women who need further evaluation so that any blood sugar issues can be managed early for your and your baby's safety.
What This Means for You
Understanding Glucose challenge test is an important part of your second trimester journey. During pregnancy, your care team will use this term regularly. Being familiar with it means you can ask better questions and feel more confident at your antenatal appointments.
Explore our Pregnancy hubGood to Know
Some Singapore hospitals skip the GCT entirely and go straight to the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) as a one-step approach, so check which protocol your clinic follows. Women with risk factors such as a high pre-pregnancy BMI or a family history of diabetes are often tested earlier.
Source: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/dictionary
Always consult your healthcare provider for personalised advice.
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