Obstetrics
In pregnancy, you can develop a condition called gestational diabetes. Gestational diabetes occurs when your body cannot process glucose or sugar properly and you then develop high blood sugars. This can lead to serious problems for you and your baby if it is untreated. If we diagnose gestational diabetes we can easily manage and control the condition with close monitoring.
We offer a Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) between 24 to 32 weeks of pregnancy for women who are at increased risk of developing gestational diabetes. The test takes around 2 hours and must be undertaken on a morning due to fasting.
If you are 32 or more weeks, we will offer you an alternative method of screening for diabetes in pregnancy. This is called home blood glucose monitoring (HBGM).
Glucose tolerance test instructions:
- The night before, please have a good evening meal including carbohydrate portion (rice, potatoes, pasta, or bread).
- Have nothing to eat or drink from 10pm the night before including chewing gum or mints. Sips of water can be taken with any prescribed medication that you are taking.
- On arrival at your appointment, you will have a blood test taken, you will then be given a special glucose drink. Following this you will be advised to wait in the waiting area for 2 hours until your second blood test.
- It is advisable to bring something to do whilst you wait for your second blood sample as walking can affect your results. Keeping yourself warm will make it easier to obtain your blood samples.
- Your results will be published to your badger notes within 7 working days. If you have any questions or concerns about this screening test, please discuss them with your community midwife.
Smoking can affect the result so please do not smoke after midnight until the test is completed.
Contact us
Please refer to your appointment letter for which location to contact.
ANC Appointments
Telephone: 01642 854883, Monday to Friday
Email: [email protected]
The Friarage Hospital
Telephone: 01609 764814, Monday to Friday
Email: [email protected]
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
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T: 01642 835964
E: [email protected]