GD normal range?

bkmama · October 2014

Just came back from my 30 week appointment and think this is a little weird - can someone confirm?

I took the GD test (1 hour version) almost a month ago and was told someone would call me if my results were abnormal. No one called.

At this appointment, my doctor says "Oh, actually, your results were borderline and we'd like you to do the 3 hour test."

Apparently I had a 135 - after googling, it looks like "normal" results are 140 or lower after 1 hour. My doctor also mentioned the hospital team had recently had a meeting in which they decided to move "normal" from 140 to 130, thus rendering my result abnormal.

Is this weird? Are my results on the high end? OR is this just a money grab decision from the hospital? Input?

kellyfo14 · October 2014

This almost exactly happened to me with my first pregnancy same number and all. I ended up having to do the three hour the morning of my shower of all times. Boo! It sucks but my results were low for the three hour. I figured better safe than sorry and just did it.

luckylady18 · October 2014

That does seem weird. I feel like if something was wrong they should have called you! It sounds like the 3-hour test is kind of a preventative measure. I'd do it and view it as such. I mean, it sounds like a big pain in the ass but I agree with PP that it's better to be safe than sorry.

Good luck!!!

MrsNoopoom · October 2014

I got a 130, my doctor told me I was fine but on the high side. We then had a little chat about less carbs and keep an eye on my sweet tooth. But, she has told me those same things the last few times I have seen her....if you do the 3 hour test and everything is fine then one less worry. I almost wish Dr had me do the 3 hour test.

KnitPixy · October 2014

I know that different areas have different guidelines for what the acceptable range is. I know a couple women who despite being in range where sent for the 3 hr test as a preventative measure due to family history/increased risk of diabetes in general.

Because insulin resistance usually increases throughout pregnancy I know docs like to keep as close of tabs as they can if they are worried about it.

Chances are you will be fine and your doctor is just being extra careful for some reason

bkmama · October 2014

KnitPixy said:

I know that different areas have different guidelines for what the acceptable range is. I know a couple women who despite being in range where sent for the 3 hr test as a preventative measure due to family history/increased risk of diabetes in general.

That's the weird thing, I don't have any of the risk factors - no family history, 25 years old, thin, and I eat pretty healthy already - not pigging out on carbs and sweets whatsoever. I am not measuring ahead or anything. The doctor also acknowledged this, then shrugged and said "might as well".

And yeah, better safe than sorry - I guess - but in this case I am more suspicious that the hospital decided to make a few extra bucks off insurance companies by moving the standard. Blah. I'm doing it at my next appointment in two weeks regardless, but something smells fishy to me.

llambrose · October 2014

It seems to me like it is being cautious. If you had a 135 that is right between the level you saw online and the level that they said they are moving it to. Either way it is on the high side and would be good to do the three hour test just to make sure that things are good. If you have it, you want to know.

KnitPixy · October 2014

I would say so long as insurance covers it who cares if it's a money grab.

I know I ended up doubling up on a bunch of bloodwork in my first tri because if changes to acceptable limits for my thyroid. Ended up not being and issue and I suspect some money grabbing on the part of the doc and lab but I would rather the extra test then finding out later there is an issue

I tend agree it's probably a grab for some cash in your case

Beauxbaton · October 2014

My doctors office goes with a baseline of 130. Last time I was at 131. I went in three separate morning and had fasting labs drawn. I didn't want to sit in the office for 3 hours when I could just pop in before breakfast and have blood work done. Plus I lived down the street so it wasn't out of the way or anything. All of my fasting labs were normal.

cabbeeby · October 2014

Did she have you fast before the test? If so, 135 is pretty high and I think it is a good idea to do the 3 hour. If not, meh, 135 is a little high but not that bad.
I have GD and they want us to keep our blood sugar under 130 at all of our 1 hour test points. So, you wouldn't have met that goal for the day that you tested.
To be honest, no, I doubt this is a money grab. A) the money goes to the lab, not to the doctor or her practice.

130 is a more "modern" threshold number than 140.

Edvent · October 2014

When I was pregnant with DD I got 137 on my one hour and failed because they wanted it to be under 130. I passed the 3 hour with no issues. The 3 hour is a pain in the ass, but kind of one of those better be safe than sorry issues. I'm hoping to avoid it this time but if I fail the 1 hour Id rather have the confirmation of the 3 hour either way. My best friend had GD and all of her results (1 hour and 3 hour) we're only a little elevated so you never know.

WillCMyInk · October 2014

As others have said, many offices are moving away from the 140 standard and down to the 130 standard. I don't think it sounds weird because all the research I did on GD said that both levels are used depending on the office. I was at 143 and still managed to pass my 3 hour so it's not a definite thing...but I'd rather know than find out later when it's causing complications.

GromMom · October 2014

Better safe than sorry, I had to take the 3 hour twice because I passed it but took the test early due to other blood labs. She said I could go for the one hour but I've never passed it and didn't want to repeat both tests twice so I went in on Friday and passed the 3 hour, who hoo, pass the donuts ;-)

bkmama · October 2014

WillCMyInk said:

As others have said, many offices are moving away from the 140 standard and down to the 130 standard. I don't think it sounds weird because all the research I did on GD said that both levels are used depending on the office. I was at 143 and still managed to pass my 3 hour so it's not a definite thing...but I'd rather know than find out later when it's causing complications.

This is really good to know - I guess I was a little overly suspicious. I hope I pass the 3-hour!

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