English key-point edition · Content updated 2026-10-12
This guide summarizes the main points of our Chinese article. Confirm your personal test preparation and treatment instructions with the clinical team.
Why screen for it?
Poorly controlled blood glucose may increase the risk of a large baby, birth difficulties and low blood glucose in the newborn. Screening helps identify who needs support; it is not a judgment about eating habits.
The 75-gram glucose test
In Taiwan, this is commonly scheduled at 24–28 weeks. The usual process involves at least eight hours of fasting, a fasting blood sample, a drink containing 75 grams of glucose, and blood samples one and two hours later. Confirm instructions for water, medicines and waiting between samples. Public funding depends on eligibility.
If you feel unwell during the test
Tell staff immediately if you vomit, feel dizzy or cannot finish the drink. Do not independently eat, exercise or leave during the test. The team will decide whether the test needs rescheduling or another arrangement.
Care after an abnormal result
After clinical interpretation, care usually combines nutrition advice, suitable activity and glucose monitoring. Do not eliminate all carbohydrates, skip meals or pursue weight loss on your own. Confirm whether readings should be fasting or at a specified time after meals, and record the time, food and result. Needing medication is not a personal failure; treatment is decided with your team. If you feel dizzy, develop cold sweats or tremble, record what happened and follow your team's instructions. Contact the team early if repeated readings exceed your individual target; do not increase medication or deliberately skip food yourself.
After birth
Blood glucose may return to normal, but future gestational diabetes and type 2 diabetes risk remain higher. Confirm your postpartum test date and longer-term follow-up before discharge or at a postpartum visit. Mention this history when planning another pregnancy.
Sources
This guide provides general information. Your symptoms, test results and treatment plan require individual clinical assessment.
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