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July 2013 Moms
Question on whether 3 hr. glucose really necessary.
I Googled and searched just about everywhere and every Q & A on glucose testing for GD seems to be the opposite of my question. Apologies in advance if I'm repeating an already covered topic. So the nurse called today with my 1 hour glucose screen results and I very definitely without a doubt failed (198/mg). I'm supposed to be going back tomorrow for 3 hr test (not going to happen, at least not tomorrow.)
So my problem isn't the Glucola or the actual test (most of my search efforts lead me to women who had issues with the drink or length of the test.) The Glucola didn't bother me in the least and didn't cause any noticeable side effects & I can read a book for 3 hours straight and be perfectly content. My issue is the fasting. For whatever reason (I'm guessing sugar related reasons now that I know my screening results) it's become necessary for me to eat a minimum every 4 hours for the last couple month of this pregnancy. I'm not saying I require a full meal but in some amount. I literally wake up between 2-4am for the sole purpose of having a small bowl of cereal and then i go back to sleep. otherwise I start feeling nauseous and getting dizzy. I attempted to start fasting tonight and it was horrible by hour 5. I don't mean annoying stomach pains, but blurry vision, dizziness and a desire to vomit to a degree I previously would've thought required alcohol being involved. I can't begin to imagine (don't want know) what I'd be like by hour 9 or 12. My father happens to have type 2 diabetes so i used his monitor to take a random blood sugar level after I had a snack and it was around 180. Again high.
So what I really want to know is how necessary is it for me to torture myself with a fasting for a 3 hour test. Everything I've read states that had I been to points higher during screening they wouldn't even bother with a second test. I'm obviously not ecstatic at the idea of having GD but it is what it is and I don't really see the point in torturing myself and presumably stressing out my baby by fasting for the 3 hour test if it's just going to be a confirmation of what was already pretty obvious. I'd rather just start doing whatever needs to be done. Unfortunately my OB happens to be on vacation and I know her nurse won't be "able" to be able to advise me on the matter because of malpractice risks and what not. So I guess I'm looking for opinions on whether I really need to do this to myself or if I can just call and let her know I'm willing to accept a GD diagnosis.
*** Apologies in advance for the length of this post and for any a spelling/grammar atrocities that may have occurred. It's pretty late where I am.
:-)
So my problem isn't the Glucola or the actual test (most of my search efforts lead me to women who had issues with the drink or length of the test.) The Glucola didn't bother me in the least and didn't cause any noticeable side effects & I can read a book for 3 hours straight and be perfectly content. My issue is the fasting. For whatever reason (I'm guessing sugar related reasons now that I know my screening results) it's become necessary for me to eat a minimum every 4 hours for the last couple month of this pregnancy. I'm not saying I require a full meal but in some amount. I literally wake up between 2-4am for the sole purpose of having a small bowl of cereal and then i go back to sleep. otherwise I start feeling nauseous and getting dizzy. I attempted to start fasting tonight and it was horrible by hour 5. I don't mean annoying stomach pains, but blurry vision, dizziness and a desire to vomit to a degree I previously would've thought required alcohol being involved. I can't begin to imagine (don't want know) what I'd be like by hour 9 or 12. My father happens to have type 2 diabetes so i used his monitor to take a random blood sugar level after I had a snack and it was around 180. Again high.
So what I really want to know is how necessary is it for me to torture myself with a fasting for a 3 hour test. Everything I've read states that had I been to points higher during screening they wouldn't even bother with a second test. I'm obviously not ecstatic at the idea of having GD but it is what it is and I don't really see the point in torturing myself and presumably stressing out my baby by fasting for the 3 hour test if it's just going to be a confirmation of what was already pretty obvious. I'd rather just start doing whatever needs to be done. Unfortunately my OB happens to be on vacation and I know her nurse won't be "able" to be able to advise me on the matter because of malpractice risks and what not. So I guess I'm looking for opinions on whether I really need to do this to myself or if I can just call and let her know I'm willing to accept a GD diagnosis.
*** Apologies in advance for the length of this post and for any a spelling/grammar atrocities that may have occurred. It's pretty late where I am.
:-)
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Question on whether 3 hr. glucose really necessary.
My initial thought is yes, do the 3 hour test and tough it out. Being GD may carry some discomforts too like finger sticks, possible insulin injections, or discomforts from oral medications. But, you may be able to get away with changing what you snack on in middle of the night. Eat something that doesn't effect blood sugar levels too much like a small salad (no croutons, use oil &vinegar dressing and top it with small pieces of chicken breast). Or, celery with a tbsp of peanut butter.....basically a low carb, low sugar snack. Or try waiting until your doc is back & see what they think.
Dr said I couldn't eat past midnight so I got up at 11:30 and had a protein heavy snack. I had a friend meet me at the dr and brought snacks for after on case I was shaky and couldn't drive. But I was able to drive so I went straight to the taco stand!
And I swear there was lots if punctuation in this post... Mobile.
You insurance may not cover your diagnosis without the definitive 3hr test. The 1hr is just a "screening." Of course, you could always ask, or you could ask for a consideration on the fasting. If they know you've eaten, maybe they can adjust the levels.
Also, according to the Mayo Clinic, a consistant average of 180 would put your a1c at 8. The "normal" range for a gestational diabetic is 5.2-5.7 (according to my endocrinologist). You should definitely report that reading to your doctors, and IMO immediately start researching and implementing a GD friendly diet.
https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/a1c-test/MY00142/DSECTION=results
Best of luck to you!
TTC/BFP/FF details in bio
If the instructions from the lab tell you to fast then you need to do it.
Yes, it blows. I too, had a hard time with being hungry/dizzy/feeling like shiit, during my fast. The key is to ask them to schedule your first draw as early as possible so that you are free to eat by lunch time. I couldn't even drink water. Yes, it blows. It sucks. Its necessary, IMHO.
You won't stress out baby, that's BS. You endure it for 3 hours and then have a cheeseburger. If you don't want to do it then just take the GD diagnosis, but I've failed the one hour every time and passed the three hour every time. I don't have GD.
I'd do it.
LFAF Summer 2016 Awards:
I'm a fainter under the best of conditions so 15 hours of fasting and four needles scared the crap out of me. I also contemplated refusing.
My 1-hour result was 182 yet I passed all four of the draws from the 3-hour test. So you don't necessarily have GD and it wasn't nearly as bad as I'd hyped it up to be. They let me lay down for the draws and stay in my own room the whole time.