Many doctors test every pregnant woman for diabetes, usually around the end of the second trimester. Testing is particularly important if there is a family history of diabetes. In the morning, before eating anything, you go to the lab and have the blood test done. A normal result indicates that diabetes is unlikely. An abnormal result is a high level of sugar in the blood, which needs further study.
Further study involves taking the glucose-tolerance test.
You have to fast the night before this test. In the morning at the lab, you are given a solution to drink that has a measured amount of sugar in it. It is similar to a bottle of soda pop but doesn't taste as good. Drawing the blood at intervals gives an indication of how your body handles sugar. If you need treatment, your doctor will devise a plan for you.