Question:
I went into the hospital at 24 1/2 weeks pregnant with twins with pre-
term labor. At 28 weeks, I was given the 3 hour glucose tolerance
test. The results were fasting glucose of 97, 1 hour of 172, 2 hour of
134, and 3 hour of 147. Urinalysis was negative. No treatment
(insulin, diet, etc.) was started. I was, however, told that a follow-
up test would be completed at 32 weeks.
The follow-up test was not completed. My babies were born at 33 2/7
weeks weighing 6 pounds 1 ounce and 5 pounds 4 ounces. The were very
large for being so premature. They were also hypoglycemic, spending 2
1/2 and 5 weeks in the hospital after birth.
My question is, what is the maximum glucose levels for the 3 hour
glucose tolerance test? My preliminary research suggests that
treatment should have started at 28 weeks. However, I don't know if
the twin pregnancy would change the levels that warrant treatment.
Answer:
I flunked my one hour challenge at 8 weeks and then had the 3 hour test so I
have done a fair amount of research. Here are the common diagnostic values
that I have found:
NDDG (National Diabetes Data Group) - most common
Fasting - 105
One Hour - 190
Two Hour - 165
Three Hour - 145
Carpenter Scale
Fasting - 95
One Hour - 180
Two Hour - 155
Three Hour - 140
Coustan Cutoffs
Fasting - 95
One Hour - 180
Two Hour - 160
Three Hour - 135
However, Only if 3 of the four numbers are high do most providers condiser
you gestationally diabetic. Given your numbers most providers would have
done the same thing, say "OK we will test again later." I am not sure if a
twin pregnancy would affect these levels or not. My guess is no, because
there are maximum safe levels for human blood glucose. I am also curious
why you are researching this now, just curious so please don't take offense.
Are you preparing for another pregnancy or considering taking action against
your doctor.
