Obstetrics & Gynaecology · Anemia, Diabetes and Heart Disease in Pregnancy

A woman with gestational diabetes mellitus requiring insulin therapy asks what her glucose targets are. Which set of self-monitored targets is correct?

  • A Fasting below 95 mg/dL, 1-hour postprandial below 140 mg/dL, 2-hour postprandial below 120 mg/dL
  • B Fasting below 100 mg/dL, 1-hour postprandial below 155 mg/dL, 2-hour postprandial below 130 mg/dL
  • C Fasting below 110 mg/dL, 1-hour postprandial below 165 mg/dL, 2-hour postprandial below 145 mg/dL
  • D Fasting below 90 mg/dL, 1-hour postprandial below 130 mg/dL, 2-hour postprandial below 110 mg/dL
Correct answer: A. Fasting below 95 mg/dL, 1-hour postprandial below 140 mg/dL, 2-hour postprandial below 120 mg/dL

Explanation

The accepted therapeutic targets in gestational diabetes are fasting capillary glucose below 95 mg/dL, 1-hour postprandial below 140 mg/dL, and 2-hour postprandial below 120 mg/dL. These thresholds come from outcomes data showing excess macrosomia and neonatal adiposity above them. Option B lists values close to the older less stringent targets and option D is overly aggressive, raising hypoglycaemia risk without added benefit. Option C reflects ordinary non-pregnant diabetes goals and is unsafe in gestational diabetes.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.

Sponsored

Want to test yourself?

Create a free account for timed mock tests, mistake tracking, and FSRS spaced-repetition revision across 43,000+ MCQs.

Start free → Log in

More Anemia, Diabetes and Heart Disease in Pregnancy MCQs

See all Anemia, Diabetes and Heart Disease in Pregnancy MCQs →