What is the "glucose challenge" test given to pregnant women?

As part of being screened for gestational diabetes, your doctor will give you a test called a glucose challenge, in which you'll consume 50 grams of sugar (it's why you get that cup of orange soda - an admittedly nasty concoction called glucola). If your blood sugar level is higher than 135 mg/dL after an hour, it's a sign that you're not clearing glucose fast enough and you'll be given a second challenge with 100 grams of sugar.

In this case, after consuming a load of sugar (in a soda or candy bar), your blood sugar levels will be monitored over three hours. Your goal is to be less than 180 mg/dl in the first hour after eating, less than 165 after two hours, and less than 145 after three hours. If not, your doctor will talk to you about the first line of treatment - controlling blood sugar through diet and exercise. If that doesn't work, she may consider prescribing diabetes drugs for you.