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Health Information and Tools >  Screening for Gestational Diabetes

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Screening for Gestational Diabetes

Overview

People who are pregnant and are not already diagnosed with diabetes should be tested. Diabetes Canada recommends testing between the 24th to 28th weeks of pregnancy. Pregnant people who are at high risk for type 2 diabetes should be tested at the first prenatal visit and again between 24 and 28 weeks.footnote 1

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 6 weeks to 6 months weeks after your baby is born.footnote 1

  • If the results of this test are normal, you will still need to be tested for type 2 diabetes at least every 3 years.footnote 2
  • 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.

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Information about Screening for Gestational Diabetes

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise 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.

Information about Screening for Gestational Diabetes

Current as of: April 30, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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