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Gestational Diabetes Screening in Busan

Gestational diabetes is high blood sugar that develops during pregnancy. It often causes no symptoms, so it's routinely screened for in the second trimester. Here's how the test works at Busan clinics and what happens if it's positive.

When screening happens

Screening is usually done between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. People at higher risk may be tested earlier, for example those with a previous gestational diabetes diagnosis, a higher BMI, polycystic ovary syndrome, or a strong family history of diabetes.

The tests

• Two-step approach (common in Korea): first a 50 g glucose challenge test . You drink a sweet solution, with no fasting needed in most cases, and blood is drawn one hour later. If the result is high, a 100 g, 3-hour oral glucose tolerance test follows, done while fasting with several blood draws.
• One-step approach: some clinics use a 75 g, 2-hour fasting glucose tolerance test instead.

Your clinic will tell you which test they use and how to prepare.

How to prepare

• Follow the clinic's fasting instructions exactly. For fasting tests, usually nothing but water after midnight.
• Stay seated during the test. Walking around can affect results.
• Bring water and a snack for afterward. The drink can make some people queasy.

If the result is positive

Most people manage gestational diabetes with diet changes, regular activity and home blood sugar monitoring. Some need medication, most often insulin. You'll have closer monitoring of the baby's growth, and your doctor will plan the timing of delivery. Blood sugar usually returns to normal after birth, but you should be retested postpartum and checked regularly afterward, since the risk of type 2 diabetes later is higher.

Cost and insurance

Glucose screening as part of prenatal care is generally partly covered by NHI. You can use your pregnancy and childbirth voucher toward eligible costs. Ask the clinic for the out-of-pocket amount for the 1-step or 2-step test.

Tips for foreigners

• Bring your ARC or passport and your maternal handbook.
• Ask for a written meal plan, or a referral to a dietitian, if you're diagnosed.
• See the international patients guide .

Related

• Prenatal Care
• Pregnancy Blood Tests
• PCOS
• Postpartum Care
• Pregnancy Checkup Cost
• International Patients

When to get help sooner

Contact your doctor promptly if you have extreme thirst, frequent urination, blurred vision or unusual fatigue. Go to an ER for vomiting with confusion, severe headache, reduced baby movements or fluid leaking.

Busan clinics and hospitals for prenatal screening

Hospitals marked "Delivers" are on HIRA's list of facilities that can deliver babies. Features are as listed in public directories. Call to confirm before you go.

Gestational diabetes FAQ