Diabetes Education Certification Pregnancy & Gestational Diabetes

Question 1

At what gestational week is universal screening for gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) typically recommended?

Accepted Answer

24–28 weeks

Answer

Universal GDM screening is performed at 24–28 weeks gestation when placental hormones peak and cause maximal insulin resistance.

Question 2

Which test is used in the one-step approach to GDM screening recommended by the IADPSG?

Accepted Answer

75g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT)

Answer

The IADPSG one-step approach uses a 75g OGTT with plasma glucose measured fasting, at 1 hour, and at 2 hours.

Question 3

What is the IADPSG fasting plasma glucose threshold for diagnosing gestational diabetes?

Accepted Answer

92 mg/dL

Answer

The IADPSG diagnostic criterion for GDM is a fasting plasma glucose ≥92 mg/dL, which is lower than the traditional ADA threshold.

Question 4

Poorly controlled GDM most directly causes which fetal complication?

Accepted Answer

Macrosomia

Answer

Maternal hyperglycemia causes fetal hyperinsulinemia, promoting excessive fat and glycogen deposition that results in macrosomia.

Question 5

What is the ADA-recommended fasting blood glucose target for women with gestational diabetes?

Accepted Answer

<95 mg/dL

Answer

ADA recommends a fasting glucose of <95 mg/dL in GDM to reduce the risk of macrosomia and other perinatal complications.

Diabetes Practice Test