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Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library Screening for Gestational Diabetes

Screening for Gestational Diabetes

Overview

People who are pregnant and are not already diagnosed with diabetes should be tested. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends testing after the 24th week of pregnancy.footnote 1 The American Diabetes Association recommends testing between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy.footnote 2

After delivery

Even though your gestational diabetes will probably go away after your baby is born, you are at risk for having the condition again. You are also at risk for having type 2 diabetes.

You may also have a follow-up glucose tolerance test 4 to 12 weeks after your baby is born or after you stop breastfeeding.

  • If the results of this test are normal, you will still need to be tested for type 2 diabetes at least every 3 years.
  • If the test shows that your blood sugar is slightly high, you may have prediabetes. If you have prediabetes, you can help prevent type 2 diabetes. You can do this by changing the way you eat, exercising regularly, and being tested for diabetes every year.
References

References

Citations

  1. U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (2021). Screening for gestational diabetes: Updated evidence report and systematic review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. JAMA, 326(6): 539–562. DOI: 10.1001/jama.2021.10404. Accessed August 17, 2021.
  2. American Diabetes Association (2023). Standards of medical care in diabetes—2023. Diabetes Care, 46(Suppl 1): S1–S280. Accessed March 15, 2023.

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

To learn more about Ignite Healthwise, LLC, visit webmdignite.com.

© 2024-2025 Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

Related Links

Health Screening: Finding Health Problems Early Gestational Diabetes Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT)

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