If a woman's glucose challenge test result is 135 mg/dL at 1 hour, what is the appropriate next step?

When a woman's glucose challenge test result is 135 mg/dL at 1 hour, the appropriate next step is to send her for a 3-hour glucose tolerance test. The glucose challenge test is a screening tool used to assess whether a woman is at risk for gestational diabetes. Typically, a threshold of 130-140 mg/dL is noted, and results above this range often warrant a follow-up, specifically a more definitive glucose tolerance test.

The 3-hour glucose tolerance test is a next step to confirm or rule out the diagnosis of gestational diabetes. It involves monitoring blood glucose levels after fasting and then ingesting a glucose solution, providing a thorough evaluation of how effectively the body is processing glucose over a longer period.

It's crucial to follow this protocol to ensure accurate diagnosis and subsequent management of the woman's health and the health of her baby. This approach is consistent with clinical guidelines that emphasize the importance of confirming any elevations in blood glucose levels before determining a treatment plan.