Alternatives to the 3 hr glucose test

ambrlynn8

So, I was extremely sick the day I had to do my one hour glucose. I had called and asked if I could reschedule the test until a time I felt better, because I was pretty sure I would not be able to keep all of it down as I was hacking up a lung. No one ever called me back, so I attempted it anyway.

Well, my glucose was at 139. She couldn't get my veins, as it usually takes 3 pricks before someone finds them... so she just pricked my finger, because she felt bad as I was so sick. The doctor suspected it was only this high because of how sick I was as I hadn't stopped coughing the entire time I was in the office. However, she told me I would have to do the 3 hour test.

I have a few issues with this: one, from what I've found online, 139 is normal, anything under 140 is normal; however, some doctors cap it at 130. Two: only about 33% of women who do the 3 hr test actually fail. Three: I've had extreme nausea, and have to take zofran to keep food down or else I puke 6-8 times a day, or more on a bad day. I don't know how I'm supposed to make my body go until well past noon without food. Even prior to pregnancy, being without food that long would make me shaky and vomit. With the nausea I've experienced during this pregnancy, I just know I will probably vomit. Plus, I'm probably going to be poked 12 times, so they can get 4 vials of blood. (That's not really that important, but I really hate needles probably due to the fact that I always end up looking like I got beat up after a day at the hospital or getting blood drawn).

If the doctor really thinks it's that important that I do another glucose test, then fine. But are there no alternatives? I specifically didn't want to do it while sick with a fever and coughing like crazy because I figured it would make the reading inaccurate, and she figures it was falsely elevated as well. Is it possible to re-do the one hour?

mama2many

here the cap for GD is 150 at the 1hr. I'd ask for a redo of the 1hr before fasting for 12 hours & then taking the 3.

StefandTodd

Have you asked your doctor for an alternative?  Or to allow you to retake the 1 hour?  Is getting a second OB's (or a midwife) opinion an option? 

ambrlynn8

I'm still sick, so I've been procrastinating a bit. I've been sick for like 3 weeks now. She didn't want me to do the test until I was better anyway... but I will be calling her or talking to her at my next appointment about the possibility of redoing it. Though, she's expecting me to do the 3 hour at my next appointment. People have been posting about the 2 hour, what is that?

Mrs.DeliaMarieP

I am not sure if this is offered as an option everywhere, but my OB is allowing me to go for an IV glucose tolerance test.  I had never heard of this option before, and I do have to go to a prenatal specialist to have it done. 

I guess that basically instead of drinking a sugar drink, they give you an IV dosage instead, and the test is only an hour instead of three.  It is basically like skipping the 1-hour and going straight for the 3-hour.

He gave me this option because last time with DS, I failed the 1-hour, then failed only 1 level of the 3-hour, so their policy is to have you then repeat the 3-hour.  I was telling him that I am afraid of having to do that again, because there have been 2 times in this pregnancy when I have had a high-sugar breakfast (a donut), and then became faint for a while afterwards both times.  So, he offered this test instead.

 

*LrCg*

This is my 3rd pregnancy and I've never taken the test.  I don't see a reason for it and my midwife doesn't push it.  She tells us what tests are available at the time and gives you pros and cons for taking them.  She doesn't force them on you- its your choice.  For me personally, I'm a healthy person and I continue to eat well and work out while pregnant (and not pregnant).  I actually have a food adversion to sweets whenever I am pregnant so even if I did test postive I would have to eat the way I am now.  I just don't see why a pregnant women should fast.  You could research the test yourself and decide if its something you think is necessary or not.

6fsn

Talk to the doc about retaking the 1 hr. 

LrCg- I'm a healthy person who eats well, exercises, and has had a sweets aversion.  I've also had GD 3 times.  It's more than just sweets that cause a diabetic problems. 

yinyang124

I would ask for a re-do or ask if you can do 2 hrs instead of 3. It's just as effective at diagnosing, and that hour can really make a huge difference when you're not feeling well. Good luck!

kimski

why would you need to wait till noon to eat?

I would suggest doing the lab draw at your local hospital's lab dept not your ob they can send the results our hospital lab opens super early so even with my 3 hr i was home and eating breakfast by 830/9am plus our lab staff does an awesome job drawing cause they spend most of the day doing it. 

RissKay

*LrCg*:

This is my 3rd pregnancy and I've never taken the test.  I don't see a reason for it and my midwife doesn't push it.  She tells us what tests are available at the time and gives you pros and cons for taking them.  She doesn't force them on you- its your choice.  For me personally, I'm a healthy person and I continue to eat well and work out while pregnant (and not pregnant).  I actually have a food adversion to sweets whenever I am pregnant so even if I did test postive I would have to eat the way I am now.  I just don't see why a pregnant women should fast.  You could research the test yourself and decide if its something you think is necessary or not.

Seriously?? Wow.