WDYT - opt out of GTT or use alternate testing method?

vszapp · February 2014

With DD I took the GTT, and I was nervous becuase my very thin mother had GD with me. My fasting blood sugar was very low, and after the drink it dropped even lower! Needless to say, I was not diabetic, but I did feel pretty awful after the test and don't think drinking all of that food coloring is particularly good for the LO.

Now with LO#2 I am trying to decide if I should suck it up and take the test again, skip it based upon how things went last time (not sure how variable it is), or do the alternate testing where I have to use a blood glucose monitor to take my blood sugar for a week or two.

Any thoughts?

alphalyrae · February 2014

I threw up my GTT and was given a Hemoglobin A1C blood draw which looked at my blood sugars over the last 3 months. It came back with excellent results and they are not pursuing additional GTT. You could 'ask' if they would consider that as an alternative.

sthomas1222 · February 2014

With your mom's history I wouldnt decline it. I would do alternative testing like jelly beans or a meal (which is more indicative anyways since no one sits down & eats only 50gm of sugar). Just b/c you didn't have it last time doesn't mean you won't have it this time. Everyone is tested b/c there are no symptoms usually & family history does play a huge part in it. I never spilled glucose in my urine but I had GD. I've also had friends who had it one pregnancy but not the next despite the odds not being great.

pistolpackinmomma · February 2014

I would suck it up and do it again. GD is nothing to screw around with.

springbeduk2 · February 2014

Why can't eating 50 g of sugar be an alternative? Still gross but at least nothing artificial in it. I think I'd way rather do that then have the drink. My GTT is this Friday ... I've been fussing and whining about the prospect for a few weeks already. Yes I'm a wuss - just hate sweet beverages. hadn't even thought of the food coloring but that's another good argument ... definitely something I generally avoid. Also I dread a false positive and the 3-hour test which 1st thing in AM fasting will guaranteed make me feel horrible (like migraine, possibly fainting, yucky all day, horrible)... I *never* have sweets on empty stomach and generally feel awful if I don't have breakfast (with some protein and fiber, preferably) within an hour of getting up. Wah wah wah. Yes I know it's time to put on the big girl pants and shut up.

Will definitely ask about the longer-term blood monitoring thing as alternative if have to have the 3 hour test, though. Thank you for mentioning it - didn't know what alternatives might be available!

vszapp · February 2014

I wouldn't care as much if it weren't for the crash afterward. My insulin response is so strong that my blood sugar tanks instead of going up and I feel horrible. I can't imagine that's good for the LO either.

MrsT2008 · February 2014

Kimbus22 said:

I'd just take the test. It's annoying for a few hours. That's easier than testing 3 or 4 times a day for a week or two. The one hour test isn't a big deal. It's the 3 hour one that sucks monkey balls.

My drink was clear though. Just ask for lemon lime or something without the coloring.

Agreed. And ditto the lemon-lime - that's what my office gives, it's clear and tastes like flat, really sweet Sprite.

MrsT2008 · February 2014

It's probably best that you talk to your OB.

pistolpackinmomma · February 2014

Just whatever you do don't just refuse the test all together. I find it ridiculous that you can decline any kind of testing.

sparklingdiamond · February 2014

I would definitely talk to your OB and see if they offer an alternative if you really don't want to do the traditional test. But I wouldn't skip it altogether.

mrspopsicle · February 2014

I would do the test and eat a complex carb with some protien right after your blood draw to help level out your blood sugar along with lots of water.

If you must, rather than decline the test, I would look into alternatives. I've heard one of the Naked juices has exactly 50g of sugar in it. You could look into that if your doc approves it.

sheriot · February 2014

I think it's a good idea to call your doc beforehand and ask about alternatives. I don't mind any testing but I hate the prospect of being hangry. I was fully planning on going through with the test as recommended until my mom reminded me that I don't respond well at all to sugar. I basically don't eat desserts unless it's just a bite here or there (I'd much rather just mow down a huge bag of Jalepeno kettle chips). I still want to be tested, but if there is an alternative method I will go with that.

I agree with @pistolpackinmomma, though: GD is no joke and all of the tests we have available now should be utilized if possible. Definitely find an alternative if the 3hr makes you feel uncomfortable. GL!!

demofea01 · February 2014

Ask your doctor about alternatives to the drink. My midwife gave me a handful of options of what I could eat rather than drinking the syrup if I want. I would not recommend skipping the test. You can be fine one pregnancy and have GD the next. I don't think the risks that come along with unmonitored and uncontrolled GD are worth taking to avoid feeling crappy for a day.

vszapp · February 2014

She signed me up for the self-testing program. I guess that will be a lot of finger pricks, but I think in the long run it will be a better option for me.

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WDYT - opt out of GTT or use alternate testing method?

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