What is a common screening test for diabetes during pregnancy?

The blood glucose test is the common screening method recommended for diabetes during pregnancy, often referred to as gestational diabetes screening. This screening typically occurs between the 24th and 28th weeks of pregnancy. The blood glucose test directly measures the amount of glucose in the blood, which provides a clear indication of how well the body processes sugar. If abnormal results are obtained, further testing can be conducted to confirm a diagnosis of gestational diabetes.

While urine tests can provide some information about glucose levels, they are not the most reliable method for diagnosing diabetes during pregnancy. Hemoglobin A1c tests, though useful for assessing long-term glucose control, are generally not used for screening in this specific context, as they reflect blood sugar averages over the past two to three months rather than providing immediate glucose levels. Cholesterol tests do not pertain to diabetes screening and focus on cardiovascular risk rather than metabolic disorders like diabetes.