Between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy, doctors often recommend a glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Many people don't understand it, finding it troublesome or even strongly resisting. In fact, this is a standard prenatal examination item, not only concerning the health of the pregnant woman herself but more importantly, whether the baby can develop healthily.

Gestational diabetes, due to abnormal fetal development, increases the risk of miscarriage to 15% to 30%. High blood sugar during pregnancy weakens the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. For example, bacterial or fungal infections of the vulva and vagina, and it may also increase the risk of difficult labor and Cesarean section rates. If high blood sugar during pregnancy is not detected and controlled early, it can also increase the chance of developing diabetes after childbirth.

During pregnancy, the body produces more glucagon to counteract the effects of insulin, with the purpose of ensuring the fetus receives sufficient glucose to meet its growth and development needs. If blood sugar is too high, leading to excessive growth, it can result in macrosomia (large for gestational age). Macrosomic infants weighing over 4 kilograms are at higher risk of developing obesity after birth. If weight is not properly managed, it can increase the risk of developing hypertension, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia later in adulthood.

Additionally, a high blood sugar environment can easily cause congenital heart and brain tissue malformations, leading to congenital heart disease and intellectual disability. High blood sugar stimulates insulin secretion, making newborns more prone to respiratory distress syndrome after birth. After birth, newborns are no longer in the mother's high-sugar environment, but the effects of glucagon still persist, which can lead to hypoglycemia, jaundice, and other conditions.

Therefore, it is essential to regularly undergo glucose tolerance testing after 24 weeks of pregnancy. This typically involves measuring fasting blood sugar followed by drinking a glucose solution, with blood sugar levels measured at one hour and two hours. Under normal conditions, fasting blood sugar should be less than 5.1 mmol/L, one-hour blood sugar less than 10 mmol/L, and two-hour blood sugar less than 8.5 mmol/L. If any one of these indicators exceeds the normal range, it can be diagnosed as gestational diabetes.

After a diagnosis of gestational diabetes, doctors will recommend adjusting blood sugar levels through appropriate dietary control and exercise. If this is not effective, insulin therapy may be prescribed.