When is gestational diabetes typically tested?

Gestational diabetes is typically assessed between weeks 24 and 28 of gestation. This timing is critical because it is during this period that the body's insulin resistance tends to peak due to hormonal changes associated with pregnancy. Testing during this window allows healthcare providers to identify abnormal glucose metabolism that may not have been present earlier in the pregnancy.

Screening before week 20 may not be reliable as many pregnant individuals may not show symptoms or sufficient insulin resistance at this stage. Similarly, testing only after delivery would miss the opportunity to manage gestational diabetes during pregnancy, which can pose risks to both the mother and the developing fetus. The middle of the second trimester is therefore the most appropriate time to conduct this important screening.