What is the recommended screening method for gestational diabetes in pregnant women?

The recommended screening method for gestational diabetes in pregnant women involves administering a 50-gram glucose load followed by measuring blood sugar levels after one hour. This approach is part of the initial screening process and is typically referred to as the glucose challenge test.

The rationale behind this method is that it is a quick and straightforward way to identify individuals at risk for gestational diabetes without requiring fasting. After consuming the glucose load, if the blood sugar level exceeds a certain threshold at the one-hour mark, it prompts further investigation with a more definitive test to confirm the diagnosis. This initial screening is generally performed between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation.

It's important to note that while other testing methods exist for diagnosing gestational diabetes, such as the oral glucose tolerance test using a 75-gram or 100-gram glucose load, these are used primarily for diagnostic purposes after an abnormal screening result is observed. The 50-gram challenge test is widely endorsed by guidelines as the standard initial screening approach.