Q: I am a 32 years old woman suffering from diabetes for the past 25 years. Now, I am planning to conceive. When I consulted a gynaecologist, she asked me to do an oral glucose tolerance test (GTT), which showed fasting level of 230 mg/dl, then rose to 460 mg/dl and after 2 hours became 423 mg/dl. Was this GTT required ?

A:No, GTT is not required, you have frank diabetes and need to consult an endocrinologist, control the sugars before planning pregnancy and also have HbA1c, a test for sugar control, in a value range below 6%. Diabetes can have many adverse effects on mother and baby if not controlled well, including serious birth defects. After control, and pregnant, you need to be in the joint care of physician and obstetrician with a very regular follow up through out the pregnancy. Tests for sugar control, development of complications (if any) and serial testing of baby by sonography and well-being are also needed in a well planned schedule besides clinical examination by the doctor.