GD Test alternative

CraftonKirkpatrick

So i spoke to my doctor yesterday at my regular check up. I have had morning sickness (more like all day) the whole time. With that I asked about an alternative to drinking the solution for the GD test, because my twin sister passed out from the drink itself. He told me to eat 28 jelly beans at home wait and by one hour go get my blood taken. Has anyone done this before? I was reading and some people like the idea, and some strongly disagree. I mean if my doctor approves it because of my sickness the whole time I would assume it to still be just as accurate.

lrobi13

I don't see how eating 28 jelly beans wouldn't make you feel any less sick than the drink but I am all for not feeling worse than I have to.

I have heard of checking you blood sugar 4 times a day for a period of time instead of drinking the drink.  Maybe you could ask about that.

Sorry you are having such a tough time.

MrsTinMKE

I am having my blood drawn as an alternative.  I had gastric bypass 7 years ago and the Dr. was kind enough not to make me drink that stuff, as it can make me really sick.  I was not told to do anything special before the draw.

HappyCianci

I agree, the jelly beans will probably make you just as sick as the drink will. Keep in mind you have to pound the jelly beans in five minutes, first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach.

I'm currently doing the finger-sticks so as not to have to drink the glucola. I also got my A1C tested at the lab. The A1C is a regular blood test that gives an average picture of your blood sugar control over the last several weeks.

My insurance covered the glucometer, lancets, and test strips, and the A1C test, and it's been pretty easy and painless so far. I hope you find a suitable alternative for yourself, too... I don't blame you one bit for wanting to avoid that drink!

ADH0906

HappyCianci said:

I agree, the jelly beans will probably make you just as sick as the drink will. Keep in mind you have to pound the jelly beans in five minutes, first thing in the morning, on an empty stomach.

I'm currently doing the finger-sticks so as not to have to drink the glucola. I also got my A1C tested at the lab. The A1C is a regular blood test that gives an average picture of your blood sugar control over the last several weeks.

My insurance covered the glucometer, lancets, and test strips, and the A1C test, and it's been pretty easy and painless so far. I hope you find a suitable alternative for yourself, too... I don't blame you one bit for wanting to avoid that drink!

I agree that jelly beans are likely going to be just as bad as the drink...I know it sucks, but keeping blood sugar records for a period time sounds like the only legitimate alternative. Has he mentioned fasting? You don't necessarily have to do it on an empty stomach...my midwife does not require this, and it doesn't have to be in the morning (mine was at 3:00 and I ate normally/high protein all day).

(Unless you're not doing the one-hour, which I might have missed...)

asarem93

My midwives gave me the jelly beans and I take them tomorrow. They only have me taking 18 but they are the large gross easter jellybeans, not little jelly bellys so I guess that's why.

DaniGrace89

Jelly beans compared to the drink sounds amazing.

Id much rather do that.

Justabean3

If you look at the ingredients for brachs jelly beans which is what they usually tell your to get

The ingredients are almost the same so I don't see the difference and honestly the glucola tastes better to me than 28/18 jelly beans in 5 mins

I think the after feeling will be close to the same

asarem93

Uggghhhh I just took my beans. They are terrible! I would much rather have a drink. Why do they even sell those? Who enjoys eating them?? Blech.
Ok sorry, I had to whine a little bit. I'm currently waiting for my blood to be drawn.

lrobi13

asarem93 said:

Uggghhhh I just took my beans. They are terrible! I would much rather have a drink. Why do they even sell those? Who enjoys eating them?? Blech. Ok sorry, I had to whine a little bit. I'm currently waiting for my blood to be drawn.

Sorry, hopefully you feel better soon but thanks for sharing.  I was really curious if it was any better.  I took the drink like a shot so I really didn't mind it (but then again I was so thirsty from having to fast for 13 hours at that point)