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⭐ What Is the Glucose Challenge Test (GCT)?

The Glucose Challenge Test is a screening test for gestational diabetes, usually done during 24–28 weeks of pregnancy.
It checks how your body processes sugar.

This is often called the 1-hour glucose test.

⭐ How the Sample Is Taken (Step-by-Step)

1. No fasting needed

• You do NOT need to fast for this test.

2. Drink the glucose solution

• You will be given a sweet drink containing 50 grams of glucose.

• You must drink it within 5 minutes.

3. Wait for 1 hour

• After finishing the drink, you wait exactly 1 hour.

• You cannot eat or drink anything else during this time.

4. Blood sample collection

• After 1 hour, a blood sample is taken from your arm.

• The lab measures your blood glucose level.

Normal / Abnormal

• Normal: Usually < 140 mg/dL (varies slightly by lab).

• High result: You may need the follow-up 3-hour Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT).

⭐ Benefits of the Glucose Challenge Test

✔️ Early detection of gestational diabetes

• Identifies if your blood sugar is high during pregnancy.

✔️ Protects mother and baby

Detecting and treating gestational diabetes helps prevent:

• High birth weight (macrosomia)

• Complications during delivery

• Preeclampsia

• Low blood sugar in the newborn

✔️ Quick and simple

• Only takes 1 hour

• No fasting required

✔️ Better pregnancy outcomes

• Early treatment leads to healthier pregnancy and reduced risks.