What is a common diagnostic test for gestational diabetes?

The Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) is a common diagnostic test for gestational diabetes because it specifically evaluates how well a woman processes glucose when exposed to a sugar load. For the test, the individual typically fasts overnight and then drinks a glucose solution. Blood glucose levels are measured at fasting and at intervals afterward. This method is particularly effective in identifying gestational diabetes because it simulates the body's response to a carbohydrate load, allowing for the assessment of how the body manages glucose in a pregnant state.

While other tests, such as fasting blood glucose or hemoglobin A1c, can provide insights into blood sugar levels, they are not as definitive for diagnosing gestational diabetes. The fasting blood glucose test can indicate general glucose regulation but may not be sensitive enough to detect the temporary insulin resistance that occurs in pregnancy. Hemoglobin A1c reflects average blood glucose levels over a longer period and is not recommended for diagnosing gestational diabetes, as it does not specifically target the alterations in glucose tolerance that occur during pregnancy. Measuring insulin levels can provide information on insulin production but does not directly assess glucose tolerance or metabolic responses during pregnancy.