Insulin

. The Gestational Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT) is used to screen for and diagnose gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), a condition where blood sugar levels rise during pregnancy.
. It helps identify glucose intolerance early, allowing for timely management to prevent complications such as macrosomia (large baby), preeclampsia, preterm birth, and neonatal hypoglycemia.
. Proper diagnosis ensures appropriate dietary and lifestyle modifications or insulin therapy if needed. The test also helps reduce the long-term risk of type 2 diabetes for the mother and supports fetal well-being by preventing excessive growth and delivery complications.
. Typically performed between 24–28 weeks of pregnancy, the test follows the one-step (75g glucose, 2-hour test) approach.

This test is typically performed after an oral glucose load (75g of glucose in 300ml water). A high glucose level after 2 hours is used to diagnose and monitor impaired glucose regulation or diabetes.

The homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) test is a tool used to estimate Insulin resistance from fasting blood Glucose and Insulin concentrations. Insulin resistance is the condition where the body’s cells become less responsive to the effects of Insulin.

A ketone test measures the amount of ketones in your blood or urine. Ketones are acids produced when your body breaks down fat for energy.

When food is ingested, the carbohydrates within the food are broken down into glucose molecules. Glucose provides energy for cellular processes and aids metabolism within the body. When an individual is hyperglycemic and cannot properly regulate their blood glucose level they are considered diabetic. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the immune system attacking pancreatic beta cells (cells that produce insulin) and Type 2 diabetes is caused by insulin resistance.