Glucose test

diz1313

I am currently week 21 and am therefore relatively sure that they are going to try and talk me into scheduling the glucose test after my next appointment. I am really against doing the test and I know that it's going to be a fight. I have PCOS and therefore already eat like a diabetic. The last time I did the glucose test was when I was doing all the testing for my fertility doctor and my body didn't react well. Fasting for long enough makes me shake really bad and then after I drank the glucose I got the jitters and half my head went almost numb. The results of that test got me put on a low dose of Synthroid, which I also am still taking. Then pile on top of that the thoughts I have on a test that is supposed to measure how one of your systems work by doing something that doctors tell you not to.... Don't starve yourself and then eat a bunch of sugar.... I don't know. Maybe I am just crazy, but I ended up useless for the whole day the last time I did this test as I have a small boy to take care of..... thoughts?

chrissynena

You don't eat like a typical diabetic whe you have gestional diabetes. Which is very hard to comprehend when you're used to doing it already. They actually push the carbs because the babies need them. I also was worried because I couldn't go that long without eating either. I had came close several times to passing out, but it went ok. My doc said tell the nurses if you feel like you're going to pass out. I have been on insulin for 3 weeks.

12bailey18

I didn't have to fast for the test and felt fine afterwards.

Wishing35

I fasted but had an early morning appointment at 7 am. It wasn't horrible I was just tired afterwards. Some doctors don't even tell you to fast. If it concerns you that much How about asking if you can test your blood before and after meals for a week or so ,and keep a log instead? I'm sure if you talk to your dr you can work something out. I think just skipping the test entirely isn't safe as even those who eat healthy can get GD.

Aurora1181

I didn't have to fast for my one hour test. I don't think I would skip the test without having a plan to suggest to the doctor (like pp's mention of checking your numbers).

Rynleigh

It is no longer recommended to have pregnant women fast for the 1hr test - only for the 3hr (if you fail the 1hr), and even then they urge you to schedule to go to the lab first thing in the morning so that you aren't fasting much longer than you would be just by sleeping in the first place. 

The Synthroid can raise your blood sugar levels above what is normal, but it doesn't *excuse* the elevated levels, it just *explains* them - the test is even MORE necessary for you because you are at greater risk of having elevated blood sugar due to your medication, and whether you have elevated numbers from the drug or independently because of GD, you still need to be monitored and evaluated for treatment options in order to reduce risks to you and to your babies. 

Unless the test is contraindicated for you due to a medical condition, getting it done is the responsible choice. You may be able to get away with asking them to just prescribe a meter so that you can monitor your AM fasting numbers and 2hr PGTs in lieu of the test, but I would at least recommend going for your 1hr, as it does not require fasting and can give them an idea of whether or not you need to be monitored at all and could save you a lot of pricked fingers and supply costs.

diz1313

Thank you ladies!! I didn't know that they no longer require you to fast for the one hour. I know I had to four years ago and it was not fun. But if ey don't have you fast anymore than I should be fine. As of now I don't even eat meals anymore just a series of snacks throughout the day. (Always a carb paired with a protien per my PCOS diet recommendations) So the thought of not eating at all for a long time makes me nervouse. When I crash I crash hard. But yay! As long as my doctors office isn't still doing things the crazy way then all systems are go! If not, I will talk to them about an alternative. My office already knows I'm a bit weird with tests.... I tend to waive all unnecessary ones (didn't have all the genitive brouhaha done and such) but I was on the fence about the GD test as I know it's not unnecessary.