Glucose Challenge Test (GCT) - Price, Purpose, Range - 2024

Introduction to Glucose Challenge Test (GCT)

The glucose challenge test is used as a prenatal test commonly performed during pregnancy to assess a woman's risk of gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that develops during pregnancy and can affect both the mother and the baby.  If you're an expectant mother or someone considering pregnancy, understanding the purpose and significance of the GCT is essential for your health and your baby's well-being. The test is generally performed during the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. Your doctor might recommend the Glucose challenge test in pregnancy to diagnose the risk. You can take the GCT test with Redcliffe Labs, and we offer free home sample collection services. Our labs are NABL-certified, so you need not worry about the reliability and accuracy of test reports. Call us or book your test online.

Test details in brief

Also Known As	Glucose Challenge Test (GCT)- 50 Grams, Glucose Challenge Test (GCT)- 75 Grams
Purpose	The glucose challenge test GCT analyzes the reaction to glucose. The test is performed during pregnancy to diagnose gestational diabetes.
Preparation	Do not take any over-the-counter medicine without confirming with your Doctor.
Fasting	No Fasting Required
Get Reports Within	Within 12 hours
Cost	INR 99

Purpose of the GCT test

Purpose of the Glucose Challenge Test in Pregnancy:

• Early Detection of Gestational Diabetes: The primary purpose of the GCT test is to identify early signs of gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that can develop during pregnancy and, if left unmanaged, may pose risks to both you and your baby.
• Risk Assessment: The GCT helps your healthcare provider assess your risk factors for gestational diabetes. Factors such as age, family history, and pre-pregnancy weight can increase your risk, and the GCT helps identify if you need further evaluation.

• Preventive Measures: By diagnosing early, your healthcare provider may help you to take preventative measures to manage the condition effectively. With management through diet, exercise, and medication, the disease can be controlled significantly. 
• Healthy Pregnancy and Baby: Managing gestational diabetes is crucial for ensuring a healthy pregnancy and the well-being of your baby. High blood sugar levels can cause complications like high birth weight, preterm birth, and cesarean delivery if uncontrolled.

Preparation for the GCT Test

The Glucose challenge test is a simple blood test requiring no special preparation. Follow the below guidelines:

• Discuss with Your Healthcare Provider: Discuss the GCT with your healthcare provider. Inform about your medication, as some medicines can affect blood sugar levels.
• Timing of the Test: The GCT is performed between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. Confirm the exact timing with your healthcare provider.
• Fasting: No fasting is required before the GCT test in pregnancy; you can eat and drink as usual.
• Keep hydrated: Drink enough water to stay hydrated and make the blood drawing process smoother. 
• Plan for the Test Duration: The GCT involves drinking the glucose solution and waiting for about one hour before having a blood sample taken. Plan your schedule accordingly, as you'll need to be at the healthcare facility during this time.

Procedure of the Glucose Challenge test

The healthcare provider will tie an elastic band around your arm to make the blood vessels clearer. Your healthcare provider will clean the area of your arm with disinfectant. After that, the phlebotomist will collect the blood sample. You will feel a tiny pinprick during the procedure. The healthcare provider will After collecting the blood sample, the sample will be sent to the laboratory for analysis. 

What does the Glucose challenge test report indicate?

The Glucose Challenge Test report explains how your body processes glucose (sugar) after consuming a sugary drink. The blood glucose level is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or millimoles per liter (mmol/L). This test is often used during pregnancy to screen for gestational diabetes. Here's what the GCT report indicates:

• Normal Range: The GCT test normal range is 140 mg/dl. If the blood glucose level is normal, you are healthy.
• Abnormal Result: If your blood glucose level is higher than the specified normal range, the report will indicate that the result is abnormal or higher. This may suggest a higher risk of gestational diabetes.

Follow-Up Testing

 If the GCT results are abnormal, your healthcare provider may recommend additional testing, such as a Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT), to confirm or rule out gestational diabetes. Depending on the results, your healthcare provider will provide you guidance to manage your pregnancy and gestational diabetes if diagnosed. Your doctor may advise you to make some changes in your diet, exercise and monitor blood sugar levels. 

Types of GCT Tests in Pregnancy

In pregnancy, there are typically two types of glucose challenge tests (GCT) that may be administered to screen for gestational diabetes: 

Glucose Challenge Test (GCT)- 50 Grams Of Glucose

GCT - 50 Grams Test is used in screening for gestational diabetes. 

How does this work?

• You are given a sugary drink that contains 50 grams of glucose.
• After drinking the solution, you have to wait for about one hour.
• Then, your blood sugar level is measured with a blood test to see how your body processes the glucose.
• If the blood sugar level is within the normal range after one hour, it's considered a passing result, and no further testing may be needed.
• If the blood sugar level is high beyond a normal range, it indicates a need for additional testing; typically, a Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) helps to confirm gestational diabetes.

Glucose Challenge Test (GCT)- 75 Grams Of Glucose

The test is used to diagnose the abnormal or if there are other risk factors for gestational diabetes. 

How does it work?

• You will be asked to drink a solution containing 75 grams of glucose.
• After one hour, a blood sample will be taken.
• The results from these blood samples help diagnose or rule out gestational diabetes based on specific criteria. 

Not all pregnant women will undergo the 75-gram GCT. The need for this test is determined by the results of the initial 50-gram GCT, your healthcare provider's clinical judgment, and your specific risk factors for gestational diabetes.

Who is at high risk of Gestational diabetes?

Gestational diabetes is a type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy. It develops when your body cannot produce enough insulin to meet the increased needs during pregnancy, leading to elevated blood sugar levels. While gestational diabetes can affect any pregnant woman, certain factors increase the risk. These risk factors include:

• Obesity or Overweight
• Belongs to African American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian American, and Pacific Islander populations.
• Women who are over the age of 25 or over 35 are at a higher risk of gestational diabetes.
• Family history
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

• Previously given birth to a baby weighing 9 pounds (4,082 grams)
• Prediabetes
• Gestational Diabetes in a Previous Pregnancy

Common symptoms of Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes may not show noticeable symptoms, which is why routine screening is essential during pregnancy. However, some women with gestational diabetes may experience symptoms, including:

• Increased Thirst (Polydipsia): You may find yourself thirsty and need to drink more fluids than usual.
• Frequent Urination (Polyuria): Excessive thirst can lead to frequent urination. You may need to go to the bathroom more often, both during the day and at night.
• Fatigue: Feeling excessively tired, even after getting enough rest, can be a symptom of gestational diabetes.
• Increased Hunger (Polyphagia): Some women with gestational diabetes may experience increased hunger and find themselves needing to eat more frequently.

• Blurred Vision: High blood sugar levels can affect the lens of the eye, leading to temporary changes in vision. You may notice blurred vision during pregnancy.
• Slow Wound Healing:  If you have cuts, bruises, or other wounds that seem to heal more slowly than usual, it could be related to high blood sugar levels.
• Increased Thirst and Hunger in the Middle of the Night: Some women may wake up in the middle of the night feeling very thirsty or hungry.
• Weight Loss (Unintentional): While many women gain weight during pregnancy, some with gestational diabetes may experience unintentional weight loss or a slower rate of weight gain.

Health complications for the baby

Gestational diabetes can cause severe health complications for the baby if it is not properly managed during pregnancy. However, with appropriate medical care and management, many of these risks can be minimized. Here are some health risks for the baby associated with gestational diabetes:

• Macrosomia (Large Birth Weight): In this condition, the newborns are at risk of being larger than average (macrosomia). This makes the birthing process more difficult and increases the likelihood of birth injuries for both the baby and the mother.
• Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): In this condition, newborns experience low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia). This is because their insulin production may have been stimulated in response to the mother's high blood sugar levels. 
• Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS): Gestational diabetes increases the risk of respiratory distress syndrome, in which a baby's lungs are not fully developed, making it difficult for them to breathe on their own.
• Jaundice: The risk of Jaundice increases in newborns, which causes yellowing of the skin and eyes. 
• Low Serum Calcium Levels (Hypocalcemia): Some babies of mothers with gestational diabetes may experience low serum calcium levels, which can cause muscle twitching, irritability, and seizures.

Tips to manage Gestational Diabetes

While there are no proper tips to manage diabetes during pregnancy, there are several lifestyle changes and strategies that may help reduce your risk. Here are some prevention tips for gestational diabetes:

• Maintain a Healthy Weight
• Take balanced diet 
• Portion Control 
• Regular Physical Activity
• Monitor blood sugar levels
• Manage stress
• Routine checkups

Glucose Challenge test price @ Redcliffe Labs

The Glucose Challenge test price at Redcliffe Labs is INR 99. At Redcliffe Labs, we understand the importance of affordable yet top-quality healthcare. Everyone deserves access to essential diagnostic services without breaking the bank. Our experienced healthcare professionals ensure that your GCT test is not only accurate but also as painless as possible. We are committed to providing you with accurate and reliable results at a price that will be manageable for your budget. Your health is precious, and we believe in making quality diagnostics accessible to all. Your health journey starts here. Book your GCT test with us today!

GCT Test for a Safer Pregnancy

If you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant and have doubts about gestational diabetes, discuss your risk factors and prevention tips with your doctor. Safe pregnancy begins with proactive healthcare and a commitment to regular check-ups. Take the Glucose challenge test, and make your pregnancy journey safer. Assessing your body glucose helps identify the risks of gestational diabetes early on, allowing for timely intervention and management. In addition, regular prenatal check-ups and blood sugar monitoring minimize the health complications for the baby associated with gestational diabetes. A safer pregnancy means not only safe health but also promotes the wellness of your baby. With the insights of GCT, your healthcare provider will advise lifestyle changes and create a personalized care plan that promotes optimal maternal and fetal health. Your health matters, and so does your baby's. 

FAQ

1. What is the GCT test in pregnancy?

The glucose Challenge Test is a common test which measures blood sugar levels and helps to diagnose gestational diabetes in pregnant women. 

2. What is the GCT test price?

The GCT test price at Redcliffe Labs is INR 99. We offer free home sample collection services. 

3. When is a glucose challenge test performed?

The GCT test is performed during pregnancy to assess the risk of gestational diabetes. It is generally performed between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy.

4. How to do a glucose challenge test?

The GCT test does not require any special preparation. Before the test, you will be given a glucose drink and then will be asked to wait for an hour. After that, the blood sample will be collected. After completing the process, you will be allowed to go.

5. Can I drink water while waiting for the glucose challenge test? 

During the glucose challenge test, you cannot drink water while waiting for the test. If you want to drink water, ask your healthcare provider, as it might affect your glucose levels.

6. Can we have breakfast before the glucose challenge test? 

The test does not require fasting so you can take your breakfast before the test. For accurate results reports, doctors advised that you must not eat anything at least 1 hour before the test. 

7. What is the normal range for GCT?

GCT test normal range is 140 mg/dl. 

8. What if GCT is high in pregnancy?

If your GCT test shows a higher range than normal, then it indicates you have gestational diabetes. You can keep yourself and your baby healthy by monitoring your blood sugar levels for the rest of your pregnancy.

9. Is a glucose challenge test necessary?

Yes, the Glucose challenge test is important during pregnancy between 24 and 28 weeks pregnant. Sometimes, they might do it earlier if they find too much sugar in their urine during regular check-ups or if they have a high chance of having diabetes.