Coming from the medical world, I don't think it's an unreasonable idea to replace the glucose drink with a sugary meal/snack of similar concentration if you can't tolerate the ingredients in the glucose drink. All you really need to know is if their blood sugar stays at a reasonable level or not after eating something sugary. I know doctors who essentially do that anyway for non-pregnant patients getting a glucose tolerance test. One doctor I met would send his patients to go across the street to a diner to get a pancake breakfast, then recheck their blood sugars two hours later. Is it as good as the official, standardized drink? No. Does it get the job done? Yeah, pretty much.
I don't think anyone (or at least the OP) was suggesting skipping the test. That would be silly, and of course no one (no matter how skinny or "healthy") is immune to the risk of gestational diabetes.
Since I am a type I diabetic, I get to skip the test (wow, aren't I lucky?). Perhaps the only perk of being a pregnant diabetic ;-)
Please everyone, read the original post and keep the responses limited to your experiences. Thanks!
It's super annoying that you think you can dictate the dialogue on this forum. No matter how many times you repeat yourself you aren't going to be able to control the direction of a conversation on a public forum.
I am still very interested in seeing the healthier alternative you are thinking about doing. I would love to read up on it.
My doc didn't have my fast for mine. I was told to eat but nothing with sugar and not some big huge breakfast. I had a scrambled egg on a roll and was told to eat it about an hour I believe before the test (it has been 5 years so I don't recall the exact time frame).
Coming from the medical world, I don't think it's an unreasonable idea to replace the glucose drink with a sugary meal/snack of similar concentration if you can't tolerate the ingredients in the glucose drink. All you really need to know is if their blood sugar stays at a reasonable level or not after eating something sugary. I know doctors who essentially do that anyway for non-pregnant patients getting a glucose tolerance test. One doctor I met would send his patients to go across the street to a diner to get a pancake breakfast, then recheck their blood sugars two hours later. Is it as good as the official, standardized drink? No. Does it get the job done? Yeah, pretty much.
I don't think anyone (or at least the OP) was suggesting skipping the test. That would be silly, and of course no one (no matter how skinny or "healthy") is immune to the risk of gestational diabetes.
Since I am a type I diabetic, I get to skip the test (wow, aren't I lucky?). Perhaps the only perk of being a pregnant diabetic ;-)
Replacing the drink with a snack that is of similar concentration is exactly what I am trying to narrow down. What program or diet is being suggested that has been tested to mimic the current standard of care? Any examples we have gotten so far have been similar to the pancake story above, not scientific or proven to produce repeatable results in a given population.
I am still waiting to hear about this "healthier" option.
And for all of you that are saying people in this thread are not saying they will opt out or decline it you are wrong. Go back and read. I only made it through a few posts back and already have two examples.
I've heard of the "jelly bean" alternative. Since you already are at risk for it, I would probably just try to maintain the appropriate diet and treat myself as though I already have it. My doctor told me that there was a diet alternative to taking the test. I have since switched doctors, but am still not planning on taking the test. Not because I'm stupid or selfish. I just research it myself and get multiple opinions, besides just the one doctor I barely talk to who barely knows me. I actually deny a lot of the tests and things suggested by doctors if they aren't 100% needed. It's optional with the midwife I am now seeing. I'm had a completely normal and healthy first pregnancy, and am low risk for GD anyways though.
I've always had issues with low blood sugar, but never diagnosed hypoglycemic. If I skip a meal and my sugar drops I get very nauseous and start dry heaving. If this continues through pregnancy I'm going to request to not take it, cause that just sounds like it'll suck
I'm going to ask my midwife to either opt out of testing or check for a healthier alternative - but will also trust her advice if she recommends going ahead with it. I personally believe that more testing isn't necessarily better, unless you're specifically at-risk or have an underlying condition. Just because so many tests are offered today due to progression of technology, doesn't mean we should feel bad (or "dumb") if we decline.
One of the things that has bothered me about the test is the fact that it's fasting, and all of that sugar is consumed on an empty stomach... then if you don't get into the lab by a certain time the results are inconclusive and you have to take it again.
For your convenience to show that people are saying that they will opt out or decline testing.
Also, if you are allergic to ingredients that is a different beast. Obviously, like most healthcare procedures and test there is always the risk vs benefit discussion.
Besides all the other risks that come along with GD if you opt out, end up having it and aren't aware, you risk having to push a 10-11+ pound baby out of your vagina. Some babies being 15 pounds. Have fun with that.
My doctor offered a "candy bar and soda" option. I gladly took it. Was it healthy? No. But it did satisfy the doctor that my pancreas was doing what it needed to and I did not have GD. Plus I didn't have to drink the orange stuff. I consider that a win-win.
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Already have pre existing blood sugar issues and pass out when they spike. Has anyone ever declined this test before? I don't physically think I can do it with my hypoglycemia. Pretty nervous.
Already have pre existing blood sugar issues and pass out when they spike. Has anyone ever declined this test before? I don't physically think I can do it with my hypoglycemia. Pretty nervous.
Besides all the other risks that come along with GD if you opt out, end up having it and aren't aware, you risk having to push a 10-11+ pound baby out of your vagina. Some babies being 15 pounds. Have fun with that.
This alone is incentive enough for me!
Also, none of the suggested alternatives seem to be any healthier than the drink. Pancakes, candy bars, and soda don't exactly scream wholesome and chemical free to me.
Okay. I will try my best to not sound bitchy. I'm not sure why you wouldn't just drink the drink. Orange isn't the only flavor. Also, it's specifically formulated for the test.. Just seems like you want to be a special snowflake more than just doing the test your doctor recommends for the safety of your child. You do you, boo.
You CAN replace theit drink with an alternative, of course if your testing center will is another question. There are recipes online and my sister's OB offered specifics of how to make an "organic" alternative. Some clinicians will also allow home monitoring as an alternative. Although you can refuse anything as people have pointed out knowing if you have GD is not as simple as risk factors and has goid reasons for the screening. Hopefully you have a good communicative relationship with your provider and can find a method that addresses your concerns and gets the screening done, or at least manages risk.
Lurking from July to provide some easy to read info. Information is mainly from ACOG (American Counsel of OBs & GYNs) and ADA (American Diabetic Association). Better to be informed by specialists and research than by Internet strangers and other people's experiences. The following article details:
1. Why the OGTT remains the gold standard for GD diagnosis. 2. Why the A1C and FBG testing that can be diagnostic in typical DM is unreliable in the pregnant population 3. An explanation of why positive and borderline positive 1 hour results must be followed up with a 3 hour test 4. And why jelly beans and candy bars are not reliable alternative means of sugar intake for the OGTT.
Above all else, don't shoot down the test without asking your providers for more information if you are worried.
My OB never made me take the test because he said I never showed signs of GD. He's been practicing for over 35 years. I trust his judgement. Both of my kids were fine and both deliveries went smoothly. Both weighed 7lb. 1oz & 7lb 9oz
I took the test yesterday, ...wasn't informed ahead of time so I didn't fast. 30 min after my blooddraw I threw up midtraffic driving in my car. Everything was colored orange; and my results came back this am with a "higher than normal range sugar level". Lovely. Looks like I'll have to do it again.
My OB never made me take the test because he said I never showed signs of GD. He's been practicing for over 35 years. I trust his judgement. Both of my kids were fine and both deliveries went smoothly. Both weighed 7lb. 1oz & 7lb 9oz
I wouldn't trust his judgement as the vast majority of women with GD have zero symptoms.
@blessurheart29 If you have a history of GD with a prior pregnancy or your first trimester blood work came back with an elevated sugar level, they test earlier, and more often.
How are people almost missing the deadlines for the blood draw? This cracks me up....I drink it in my OBs office and sit in the lobby for an hour and then they draw my blood. I mean....I guess if I was in the bathroom I would miss it? Do others make you drink it one place and then drive to another location for the blood draw?
How are people almost missing the deadlines for the blood draw? This cracks me up....I drink it in my OBs office and sit in the lobby for an hour and then they draw my blood. I mean....I guess if I was in the bathroom I would miss it? Do others make you drink it one place and then drive to another location for the blood draw?
With my dd, the appointment before the glucose test, they gave me the drink to take home. My appointment was at 8am or something like that, so I drank it at home rather than having to get there at 7am and sit around for an hour before the blood draw.
How are people almost missing the deadlines for the blood draw? This cracks me up....I drink it in my OBs office and sit in the lobby for an hour and then they draw my blood. I mean....I guess if I was in the bathroom I would miss it? Do others make you drink it one place and then drive to another location for the blood draw?
With my dd, the appointment before the glucose test, they gave me the drink to take home. My appointment was at 8am or something like that, so I drank it at home rather than having to get there at 7am and sit around for an hour before the blood draw.
I guess my office doesn't trust me that much! I had to drink it in front of them then they let me run errands for an hour. I had no idea people were allowed to bring it home!
I didn't have GD with my DS, I am 30 and not overweight; however my ob office opted for early testing because diabetes runs heavily on my father's side. After my test yesterday, now I have to go back for the 3hr test.
Lurking just going to add being overweight does not make you at risk for GD just like being a healthy weight does not give you a free pass not to have it.
Dear friends,
Lurking from July to provide some easy to read info. Information is mainly from ACOG (American Counsel of OBs & GYNs) and ADA (American Diabetic Association). Better to be informed by specialists and research than by Internet strangers and other people's experiences. The following article details:
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/gestational-diabetes-and-the-glucola-test/
1. Why the OGTT remains the gold standard for GD diagnosis.
2. Why the A1C and FBG testing that can be diagnostic in typical DM is unreliable in the pregnant population
3. An explanation of why positive and borderline positive 1 hour results must be followed up with a 3 hour test
4. And why jelly beans and candy bars are not reliable alternative means of sugar intake for the OGTT.
Above all else, don't shoot down the test without asking your providers for more information if you are worried.
Hope this helps!
Yes, this ^^
Also, if you are older than 25, being overweight does increase your risk for developing GDM. It doesn't mean you'll definitely have it, it just means your chances are higher of developing it than someone over the age of 25 who is not overweight. Being overweight (BMI > 30) also increases your risk of developing GDM in the presence of other risk factors: https://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/Documents/gestational_diabetes_2012.pdf
@smilormarie -- I have heard of other people doing jelly beans, etc., so there are definitely OBs that are OK with this option. I believe you mentioned you were really close to the cutoff last time. If I were you, I would do the glucose drink because with the drink you know exactly how many carbohydrates are in it. If you do jelly beans there is a chance that the sugar content is 1-2 grams higher than what the label says and you could wind up failing a test that you would have otherwise passed. There is also a chance that it's less sugar and you incorrectly pass and have untreated GDM in your pregnancy which is not good for you or baby.
While fasting is not required for the 1hr GTT, my OB requests that you have a meal two hours prior to your test, and no food after that meal (such that you've been "fasting" for two hours prior to your when you drink the sugar solution). I do agree with this. I can't tell you how many patients I've had that fail their 1 hr GTT and then I find out that they had a giant bowl of pure sugar cereal or a cupcake right before their appointment. They then go on to pass the 3-hr test. So maybe try to have your breakfast, lunch (or whatever) two hours prior to your appt.
Lastly, this decision is ultimately between you and your OB. I would encourage you to listen to your doctor's professional opinion on what your best options are. You guys will come up with a good plan for you. Good luck with what you choose to do, and I hope you pass with flying colors.
@smilormarie Didn't know what you found out, but since I did have it last time I have to do the 1 hour this weekend (9.5w). She said if I fail it, I'll have to do the 3 hour now. If I don't, then I still have to retake it at 28w. She did tell me specifically to not fast and to actually eat a healthy, low carb breakfast before going in to take it. I ended up not asking about an alternative. If I have to take the 3 hour, I might ask about not doing it and just taking the class and treat it like I do have it.
Lady. If you took two seconds to read the next words they all said looking for other alternatives immediately afterwards. In either scenario, THIS IS LITERALLY NOT YOUR BUSINESS.
Re: Are any of you planning to decline the glucose drink and request a good alternative?
I don't think anyone (or at least the OP) was suggesting skipping the test. That would be silly, and of course no one (no matter how skinny or "healthy") is immune to the risk of gestational diabetes.
Since I am a type I diabetic, I get to skip the test (wow, aren't I lucky?). Perhaps the only perk of being a pregnant diabetic ;-)
It's super annoying that you think you can dictate the dialogue on this forum. No matter how many times you repeat yourself you aren't going to be able to control the direction of a conversation on a public forum.
I am still very interested in seeing the healthier alternative you are thinking about doing. I would love to read up on it.
Replacing the drink with a snack that is of similar concentration is exactly what I am trying to narrow down. What program or diet is being suggested that has been tested to mimic the current standard of care? Any examples we have gotten so far have been similar to the pancake story above, not scientific or proven to produce repeatable results in a given population.
I am still waiting to hear about this "healthier" option.
And for all of you that are saying people in this thread are not saying they will opt out or decline it you are wrong. Go back and read. I only made it through a few posts back and already have two examples.
For your convenience to show that people are saying that they will opt out or decline testing.
Also, if you are allergic to ingredients that is a different beast. Obviously, like most healthcare procedures and test there is always the risk vs benefit discussion.
Also, none of the suggested alternatives seem to be any healthier than the drink. Pancakes, candy bars, and soda don't exactly scream wholesome and chemical free to me.
Lurking from July to provide some easy to read info. Information is mainly from ACOG (American Counsel of OBs & GYNs) and ADA (American Diabetic Association). Better to be informed by specialists and research than by Internet strangers and other people's experiences. The following article details:
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/gestational-diabetes-and-the-glucola-test/
1. Why the OGTT remains the gold standard for GD diagnosis.
2. Why the A1C and FBG testing that can be diagnostic in typical DM is unreliable in the pregnant population
3. An explanation of why positive and borderline positive 1 hour results must be followed up with a 3 hour test
4. And why jelly beans and candy bars are not reliable alternative means of sugar intake for the OGTT.
Above all else, don't shoot down the test without asking your providers for more information if you are worried.
Hope this helps!
I wouldn't trust his judgement as the vast majority of women with GD have zero symptoms.
@blessurheart29 If you have a history of GD with a prior pregnancy or your first trimester blood work came back with an elevated sugar level, they test earlier, and more often.
just going to add being overweight does not make you at risk for GD just like being a healthy weight does not give you a free pass not to have it.
Yes, this ^^
Also, if you are older than 25, being overweight does increase your risk for developing GDM. It doesn't mean you'll definitely have it, it just means your chances are higher of developing it than someone over the age of 25 who is not overweight. Being overweight (BMI > 30) also increases your risk of developing GDM in the presence of other risk factors:
https://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubs/Documents/gestational_diabetes_2012.pdf
While fasting is not required for the 1hr GTT, my OB requests that you have a meal two hours prior to your test, and no food after that meal (such that you've been "fasting" for two hours prior to your when you drink the sugar solution). I do agree with this. I can't tell you how many patients I've had that fail their 1 hr GTT and then I find out that they had a giant bowl of pure sugar cereal or a cupcake right before their appointment. They then go on to pass the 3-hr test. So maybe try to have your breakfast, lunch (or whatever) two hours prior to your appt.
Lastly, this decision is ultimately between you and your OB. I would encourage you to listen to your doctor's professional opinion on what your best options are. You guys will come up with a good plan for you. Good luck with what you choose to do, and I hope you pass with flying colors.
In either scenario, THIS IS LITERALLY NOT YOUR BUSINESS.