The glycemic curve is a simple blood test accompanied by an oral test, with the ingestion of a sweet liquid, made to measure glucose tolerance. It is also known as TOTG and is commonly used to investigate a possible condition of diabetes .
It can be performed during pregnancy and is recommended during the sixth month of pregnancy , especially when there are risk factors present ( obesity , hypertension, old age).
Some pregnant women may manifest symptoms of glycemic lack of control, such as excessive hunger, thirst, tiredness and swelling in the legs and feet. However, it is important that the test be done even if the woman does not have any of the related symptoms.
Read more: Glucose: what is the normal value?
Contents
What is the glycemic and insulin curve in pregnant women?
The glycemic curve is an exam to assess how sugar behaves in the body. In general, the body produces insulin after a meal, preventing blood glucose (blood sugar) from changing.
People with no changes in the pancreas (an organ that produces insulin and regulates blood glucose), sugar rates are always regulated. That is, the insulin curve is adequate.
During pregnancy, it is common for hormones to cause insulin resistance, which increases blood glucose levels, which can be harmful to the health of women and babies.
For this reason, especially pregnant women over 35 years of age, who are overweight or who have a related family history, should pay attention to the exam.
How is the examination of the glycemic curve during pregnancy?
To perform the exam, the patient is advised to fast for 10 to 12 hours and has not practiced physical activities.
That done, the first step is to ingest 75g of Dextrosol (glycemia). A blood sample is taken every 1 hour for glycemic measurement. In general, 2 or 3 samples are collected.
That is, the exam can take about 3 hours.
Some professionals argue that the exam is part of the routine of every pregnant woman. Others point out that only fasting blood glucose testing (normal blood collection) should be done. If there are changes or risk factors, the oral test is indicated.
Exam reference values
According to the Pan American Health Organization, it is necessary for the pregnant woman’s blood glucose to be between 92mg / dL and 125mg / dL for the diagnosis of gestational diabetes to be made .
The normal glycemic curve test has the following reference values:
- Fasting: up to 92mg / dL;
- 1 hour after drinking the liquid: up to 180mg / dL;
- 2 hours after collection: up to 153mg / dL.
Altered glycemic curve in pregnant women: what does it mean?
When the values end up showing higher than expected rates, it is common for the exam to be repeated after a few days for further analysis and exact confirmation.
If the result is repeated, the woman is diagnosed with gestational diabetes.
In such cases, treatment is necessary and should be started during pregnancy. In general, it is done with a balanced diet and physical activities. In some cases, the use of medications may be necessary.
If gestational diabetes is monitored and controlled, it is very possible that the mother and baby will remain healthy during and after pregnancy.
Generally, there are great chances of a reversal of the condition. Since sugar levels tend to normalize three to seven days after the baby is born.
However, it is still important for women to be aware of the risk of developing type 2 diabetes (medication-controlled condition).
When the test result shows the altered glycemic curve, it is important to start a treatment that controls glucose levels. Physical activities and a balanced diet are essential in conjunction with treatment, and are also good habits for the prevention of risks.
Access the Healthy Minute and get all your doubts about the gestational period!
