What is a Sugar Loading Test Turkey?
The glucose tolerance test is a pharmacological screening method that helps detect the risk of gestational diabetes that may develop during pregnancy by measuring the level of glucose in the blood. Sugar loading test during the test, after drinking a certain amount of sugary liquid, blood samples are taken at certain intervals to evaluate how quickly the body processes glucose and whether insulin secretion is sufficient. In this way, blood sugar irregularities that may threaten the health of the mother and baby in the later weeks of pregnancy can be detected early and necessary interventions can be planned.
Why is a Glucose Loading Test Performed During Pregnancy?
Increased hormone levels during pregnancy, especially hPL (human placental lactogen) and progesterone secreted by the placenta, can reduce the mother’s insulin sensitivity and make blood sugar control difficult. If this condition is not controlled, it can lead to hypertension, preeclampsia, excessive weight loss or frequent urinary tract infections in the mother, as well as macrosomia, birth trauma and neonatal hypoglycemia in the baby. These risks are revealed early with the glucose tolerance test, the diet is changed, and if necessary, insulin treatment is started to support the safe growth of the unborn baby.
When is a Glucose Loading Test Performed?
It is usually applied between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy, because insulin resistance caused by hormone levels reaches its peak during this period. Early screening can be performed in the 14th and 16th weeks for expectant mothers with a history of diabetes or risk factors in early pregnancy; if the result is normal during this period, it is waited until the routine timing. Late-term tests can be applied in cases remaining in the last weeks of pregnancy; the results directly affect the baby’s birth weight and birth planning.
What is the Difference Between the 50g and 75g Glucose Loading Test?
The 50-gram glucose load is called a single-stage screening test, and women who are considered at risk in the first stage are given a second-stage diagnostic test with 75 grams of glucose. The 75-gram test provides a more precise assessment by measuring both fasting blood sugar and 1- and 2-hour post-load blood sugar values. This two-stage approach avoids unnecessary invasive procedures; only patients who exceed the threshold in the first test are referred to the 75-gram test.
How to Perform a Glucose Loading Test?
First, fasting blood sugar is measured; then, 50 or 75 grams of glucose solution, warmed or at room temperature, is quickly drunk to make it easier to drink. After drinking, blood samples are taken from the arm at 1 hour (50 grams) or 1 and 2 hour intervals (75 grams) and sent to the laboratory to determine plasma glucose levels. Samples are analyzed under safe transportation conditions and the mother’s risk of developing diabetes is classified according to the internationally accepted threshold. The procedure takes 1–2 hours depending on the type of test, and rest is recommended after the test.
What Should Be Considered Before and After the Test?
Before the test, you should fast for 8-10 hours, only water is allowed; beverages such as coffee, tea or fruit juice should be avoided as they can affect the results. If possible, a light and simple breakfast should be planned on the day of the test, and normal nutrition should be resumed after the measurements are completed. Some women may experience nausea, restlessness or temporary dizziness after the glucose load; these symptoms pass in a short time and drinking plenty of water and having small snacks provides relief. In addition, it is important to stick to the time period recommended by the doctor before the test in terms of patient comfort and result reliability.
How Are Test Results Evaluated?
In the glucose loading test results, fasting blood sugar, 1st hour and (in the 75 g test) 2nd hour values are evaluated according to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and WHO criteria. If the 1st hour glucose value is above 140 mg/dL in the 50 g screening test, the 75 g diagnostic test is performed. If the fasting glucose threshold values of 92 mg/dL, 1st hour 180 mg/dL, 2nd hour 153 mg/dL are exceeded in the 75 g loading, gestational diabetes is diagnosed. If the values are just below the thresholds, it is classified as mild glucose intolerance and monitoring with nutrition-exercise adjustments is recommended.
Is the Glucose Loading Test Harmful? Expert Opinions
The glucose tolerance test is a safe and non-invasive screening method. Since it is not a procedure that involves medication or radiation, it does not pose a direct risk of harm to either the mother or the baby. Temporary dizziness or nausea may occur due to the high amount of glucose intake during the test; these effects are short-term and do not cause permanent damage. Endocrinology and obstetrics specialists consider the glucose tolerance test to be the “gold standard” screening tool to prevent the long-term negative effects of gestational diabetes on the health of the mother and the baby.
What to Do If Test Results Are High?
For mothers diagnosed with gestational diabetes, an individual nutrition plan is first prepared with the support of a dietitian. Carbohydrate-limited but nutrient-rich foods and regular snacks are recommended. Blood sugar is monitored during the day using an exercise program and a glucose monitoring device. If necessary, insulin or oral antidiabetic medication is started. At the same time, obstetric monitoring is increased and fetal growth, amniotic fluid volume and placental function are monitored with doppler.
Sugar Loading Test Prices 2025
In 2025, 50 g screening test packages will be priced between 800 ₺ – 1,200 ₺ in private laboratories, and 75 g diagnostic tests will be priced between 1,200 ₺ – 1,800 ₺. These prices include blood collection from the armpit or arm, glucose solution, laboratory analysis and reporting services. While screening tests are largely free for patients with SGK, a surcharge may apply in private hospitals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the test harm the baby?
The glucose dose that the mother will receive during the glucose loading test is temporary and is rapidly processed by the body, so it does not have a direct toxic effect on the baby. The sugary liquid taken during the test causes a short-term increase in the mother’s blood sugar level; however, this increase does not last long enough to harm the mother or the baby, and it is observed that the blood sugar quickly returns to normal during laboratory checks. Therefore, both the World Health Organization and the obstetric societies’ guidelines emphasize that the glucose loading test is safe in gestational diabetes screening. It has been proven that the baby is not affected by these temporary fluctuations after the test is applied, and on the contrary, when gestational diabetes is brought under control thanks to early diagnosis, both the mother and the baby’s health can be protected.
Will the test be affected after eating sweets?
The 8–10 hour fasting period before the test ensures the reliability of the blood sugar results; if the fasting period is not observed, the expectant mother may have higher or lower than normal fasting glucose values. If any carbohydrate-containing meal, such as breakfast or dessert, is consumed before the test, the fasting glucose threshold will be misleadingly high, which may lead to an unjustified second-stage test or a false diagnosis of gestational diabetes. Nothing should be eaten on the day of the test except water, and especially sugary foods should be avoided; otherwise, both fasting and post-load blood sugar measurements may give erroneous results.
If the test result is high, does it mean I have gestational diabetes?
If any of the fasting, 1st hour or 2nd hour blood sugar values exceed the specified threshold values after a 75-gram glucose load, this is sufficient for a diagnosis of gestational diabetes. A high result indicates that the mother is unable to metabolize glucose as quickly as necessary due to temporarily increased insulin resistance and inadequate insulin response by the pancreas. However, the test result may indicate not only the risk of gestational diabetes but also a pre-diabetic condition; therefore, it is important for expectant mothers diagnosed to be followed up with a diet, exercise plan and, if necessary, insulin therapy under the supervision of a physician and dietician. This early intervention makes both the maternal and fetal outcomes of pregnancy much more positive.
Is the glucose loading test done on an empty stomach?
It is mandatory to fast for 8–10 hours before the test; only water is allowed. In order for fasting glucose and post-load values to be reliable, it is essential that the test is done on an empty stomach.
Can you eat before the test?
Nothing should be eaten in the morning of the test day, no drinks or snacks other than water should be consumed; meals will continue after the test is completed.