The Glucose Challenge Test (GCT) is a screening test for gestational diabetes, typically conducted between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. The fasting GCT involves measuring a woman's blood glucose level after an overnight fast. After the initial blood draw, she consumes a glucose solution, and her blood is tested again two hours later. This "2-hour" GCT assesses how her body processes sugar over time. Elevated glucose levels at either point can indicate gestational diabetes, prompting further diagnostic testing and management to ensure maternal and fetal health.

The Glucose Challenge Test (GCT) is a preliminary screening tool for gestational diabetes, typically administered between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. It evaluates how a pregnant woman's body processes sugar, helping to identify those at risk for gestational diabetes. The fasting GCT involves two main steps. First, the patient undergoes an initial blood draw after fasting overnight, which measures her baseline blood glucose level. This fasting period is essential as it provides an accurate assessment of her body's glucose regulation without the influence of recent food intake.

After the initial blood sample, the patient drinks a glucose-rich solution. Exactly two hours later, a second blood sample is taken. This 2-hour post-glucose measurement assesses how effectively her body metabolizes the sugar load. Elevated glucose levels at either the fasting or 2-hour mark can indicate a potential problem with glucose metabolism, suggesting gestational diabetes.

If the test results are above the normal range, further diagnostic testing, such as the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), may be required to confirm the diagnosis. Early detection and management of gestational diabetes are crucial for preventing complications such as high birth weight, preterm birth, and the development of type 2 diabetes later in life for both mother and child.

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