Fasting Plasma Glucose

Questions: 1. Chelsey is a generally healthy individual who is 26 weeks pregnant. She underwent a routine screening to test for gestational diabetes. After performing the OGTT Chelsey was told her plasma glucose level 2 hours after consuming the oral glucose solution was 9mmol/L. How would you diagnose Chelsey and why? 2. The OGTT is one tool for detecting diabetes. Name and describe another test which can be performed to diagnose diabetes. Answers: 1. After an initial glucose challenge test is conducted, such as the one done to Chelsey, a normal individual without the risk of gestational diabetes is supposed to have sugar levels below or between 7.2 mmol/L and 7.8 mmol/L (Renz et al, 2015). Chelsey would require a follow-up glucose tolerance test because her initial glucose challenge test was at high levels. In the follow-up glucose tolerance test, she would have to fast overnight after which, her blood sugar level would be measured. Chelsey would then take a sweet solution with higher glucose concentration. After the drink, her blood sugar level would be checked each hour for 3 hours that would follow. If at least two of the readings indicate blood levels that are greater than normal, she will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes. 2. Fasting Plasma Glucose (FPG) is another test that may be performed to test diabetes. This test is preferred because it is easy, convenient and less expensive compared to the other tests. According to Sinnott et al (2015), FPG is a blood test which checks an individuals fasting glucose levels when they are fasting. Before the test is carried out, the individual is not allowed to consume anything for a period of at least eight hours. During the test, glucose is taken to lab for analysis. Fasting blood glucose that is normal is supposed to be between 70 mg/dL and 100 mg/dL if the individual does not have diabetes. A standard diagnosis is made after two different blood tests indicate that the levels of fasting blood glucose are more or equal to 126 mg/dL. Works Cited Renz, Paula Breitenbach, et al. "Hba1c Test As A Tool In The Diagnosis Of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus." Plos ONE 10.8 (2015): 1-11. Academic Search Premier. Web. 27 May 2016. Sinnott, Margaret, et al. "Fasting Plasma Glucose As Initial Screening For Diabetes And Prediabetes In Adults: The Diabetes Mellitus And Vascular Health Initiative (Dmvhi)." Plos ONE 10.4 (2015): 1-11.