If you had gestational diabetes (GDM), you’ve likely heard that you’ll need to come back for a test 6 to 12 weeks after delivery. This test — called the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) — checks how your body is handling sugar now that the pregnancy is over.
Let’s break down why this test matters, what to expect, how to prepare, and what your results can tell you about your health moving forward.
The postpartum OGTT (oral glucose tolerance test) is a blood test that checks how your body processes glucose after pregnancy. It’s the same 2-hour glucose test you may have done during pregnancy, but this time it helps determine if your blood sugar has returned to normal or if there are signs of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.
Gestational diabetes usually goes away after birth — but up to 50% of people with gestational diabetes will develop type 2 diabetes within 5–10 years, especially without lifestyle changes or monitoring.
This test is a critical checkpoint. It helps you:
Know where your blood sugar stands
Catch any lingering issues early
Make informed decisions about your long-term health
Understand your risk of type 2 diabetes
Research Insight:
~5% develop type 2 diabetes within 6 months postpartum
~10% within 1–2 years
Up to 50% worldwide by 5–10 years
Your risk of type 2 diabetes is also higher if you:
are over 40 and white, or over 25 and Black African, African-Caribbean, Chinese or South Asian
have a parent, brother, sister or child with diabetes
are overweight or obese, or have a large waist
have ever had high blood pressure
have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
smoke
Most doctors recommend taking the 2-hour OGTT between 6 and 12 weeks postpartum — once your hormones have begun to stabilize but while you're still in the early recovery window.
If you miss this window, it's still worth doing later — talk to your provider about scheduling it as soon as possible.
Preparation is simple but important:
Fast for 8–10 hours before the test (usually overnight)
Only water is allowed during fasting
No coffee, tea, gum, or mints before the test
Bring snacks or food for after the test — you’ll likely be very hungry
Arrange childcare if needed — you’ll need to sit still at the lab for 2+ hours
Tip: Schedule your test early in the morning so you can fast overnight and avoid going too long without food.
Here’s the step-by-step:
Initial fasting blood draw
Drink a 75g glucose solution
Wait for 2 hours in the lab waiting area
Second blood draw taken at the 2-hour mark
Some providers do additional blood draws at 1 hour — follow your lab’s protocol.
Your results will fall into one of three categories:
Test
Normal Range
Prediabetes
Type 2 Diabetes
Fasting glucose
<100 mg/dL
100–125 mg/dL
≥126 mg/dL
2‑hour OGTT glucose
<140 mg/dL
140–199 mg/dL
≥200 mg/dL
A1C (if used)
<5.7%
5.7–6.4%
≥ 6.5%
Your doctor will help you interpret the results and discuss next steps. Ensure consistent units — some labs use mmol/L.
If your OGTT shows signs of prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, don’t panic. You are not alone, and early detection means you have the power to act.
Prediabetes → Lifestyle changes (nutrition, movement, stress support), early re-testing
Type 2 diabetes → Monitoring, potential medications
Still high at 6 weeks? → Retest after 3–6 months—postpartum hormones, stress, or sleep may still be stabilizing
No one expects perfection, just awareness.
You’re exhausted. You’re healing. You’re figuring out feeding, sleep, and life with a newborn. It's no surprise many people skip the OGTT.
But here’s the thing: your health still matters.
Catching high blood sugar early gives you a chance to change your long-term path. This test isn’t just about numbers — it’s about giving yourself the care and clarity you deserve.
Doing the postpartum OGTT is not just a box to check — it’s a moment to reclaim your health after pregnancy. Even if the results are tough, they’re not a verdict — they’re a guide.
You’ve already shown strength through pregnancy. This is just the next step. 💛
1. What if I can’t find time to do the OGTT?
Do it when you can — even if it's later than 12 weeks. Let your provider know and ask if you can do a fasting glucose + A1c instead (less accurate, but still helpful).
2. How long does blood sugar stay high after birth?
For most people, blood sugar drops quickly after delivery. However, if you had very high numbers during pregnancy or used insulin, it might take longer to stabilize.
3. Will I need to keep checking my blood sugar forever?
No — daily finger sticks usually aren’t needed after birth unless your provider recommends it. But glucose screening every 1–3 years is encouraged if you’ve had gestational diabetes.
4. Does breastfeeding help with blood sugar?
Yes! Breastfeeding can improve insulin sensitivity and lower your long-term risk of type 2 diabetes.
5. What’s the risk of type 2 diabetes after gestational diabetes?
According to the CDC, up to 50% of people who had gestational diabetes develop type 2 diabetes within 5–10 years. But lifestyle changes and regular check-ins can lower your risk.
6. Will stress or nursing impact my results?
A: Yes. Breastfeeding tends to stabilize blood sugar, but stress and sleep deprivation may raise it temporarily.
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