Gestational Diabetes Testing Thread

moguippy · March 2018

I know the dreaded Gestational Diabetes testing is coming up for most of us (and some of us have already taken it). This is a thread to ask questions and offer advice on the GD test.

This is a thread to talk about the test itself, I think there should be another thread to support mommas who get a positive diagnosis. (and I think this is how other boards do it.)

Any suggestions welcomed!

Sarafuss · March 2018

Great idea!

I took my first glucose test at 12 weeks and passed (yay!) but will be tested again at 28 weeks. I've had GD in my last 4 pregnancies so I'm pretty knowledgeable about it, unfortunately! But my suggestion for the actual test is to schedule it first thing in the morning (if possible) and fast before the test (the 1-hour and/or 3-hour). Some OBs won't tell you to fast but it can definitely impact your results if you don't. That's why a lot of people fail the 1-hour but pass the 3-hour (because you always fast before the 3-hour). Also, I try to eat well the day or two before the test and have a good snack before bed the night before the test. So I try to eat things with around 30-45g of carbs per meal along with a good amount of protein and just make healthier choices. (Some people think they should avoid carbs altogether but that's not great for you either). Having around 15g of carbs before bed paired with protein can help give you good fasting numbers. Greek yogurt is a good choice.

Obviously, you can't "cheat" the test and if you have GD you're going to fail no matter how you prepare. But I think these things can help avoid failing the 1-hour unnecessarily and having to take the 3-hour and then passing that.

moguippy · March 2018

My OB is saying I don't have to take the GD test bc I am on a low does of Metformin for Insulin Resistant PCOS so she is just going to treat me as a diabetic. I am not happy about it. My fasting sugar has been good everyday and my last A1c was great. She is going to do a complete blood count at my next appointment instead of the test. I now have to test after every meal instead of just in the morning. Has anyone else had their OB say this? I know there were a few other IR PCOS ladies out there.

Sarafuss · March 2018

@moguippy I have IR PCOS which is why I've had GD 4 times. But this pregnancy I am not diabetic yet. I will not be shocked if I fail at 28 weeks but I'm hopeful that I will pass. I would be unhappy about that as well! My MFMs still make me test though and don't just assume I'm diabetic. If your numbers are good then I would push to continue only testing in the morning and maybe doing the standard glucose test at 28 weeks if you want to. And if you pass then decide how you want to proceed. Are you following the diet or just eating normally? I'm not on Metformin (but have been in prior pregnancies) but I do try and loosely follow the diet but will allow myself a sugary treat every now and then.

Personally, I wouldn't mind testing my sugar often just to keep an eye on things (mostly because I have a lot of anxiety during pregnancy). But I think treating you as a diabetic when you potentially aren't could affect you later. Like, if your OB induces diabetics at 39 weeks and you don't want to be induced that early. So I think the amount of push-back you should give on this depends on how you feel about those things.

stillcozy · March 2018

Had my GD test today and it looks like I passed based on the initial results. last go around I failed my 1 hour so i was pretty nervous

morethanamama · March 2018

@Sarafuss just want to make sure I understand correctly, if you have GD you won't pass regardless of the fasting/eating well to prepare, correct?

moguippy · March 2018

@Sarafuss she hasn't put me on the diet (yet?). Only changes so far are testing more often and CBC instead of the sugary drink test. But maybe I will call and see what she means by "treat me as diabetic". She didn't say anything about inducing early, but she doesn't really tell me a lot ahead of time. Although baby is measuring big already (despite still being at my pre-pregnancy weight and having good fasting numbers), so inducing could be on the table based on baby size.

Congrats @lindsayleigh1989!

stillcozy · March 2018

@kissableviv I believe that is correct from my understanding

Sarafuss · March 2018

@kissableviv what I mean is, if you're placenta isn't allowing your body to process insulin the way it normally does (if you are non-diabetic before pregnancy) then drinking the glucose drink is going to make you fail despite your preparations. But eating a bagel for breakfast (60g carbs typically) and then going to drink another (75g? I can't remember how much it is) of straight sugary carbs right after then you could fail the test unnecessarily. Because that is a ton of carbs and it's just going to take more than an hour for your blood sugar to normalize even if you don't have GD.

ETA: the short answer is yes lol.

moguippy · March 2018

@kissableviv Correct. If you have GD no amount of fasting or prep will help you pass. But not fasting and prepping may make you fail unnecessarily and then you have to take the 3 hour test which is more accurate.

zande2016 · March 2018

@moguippy I would push back on that personally. I have IR PCOS and made it through my last pregnancy without GD. Did not work out that way this time, but I actually saw my endochronologist today and he has some very different opinions of GD than the MFM. He thinks for a lot of women GD is overtreated and blown out of proportion. He tested my A1C and he said he was Doing two Tests, one for my blood sugar the past few months and one for the past 6 weeks. He's not convinced I really do have GD, and he will look at those results to decide for sure (I failed three hour test by 1 point). I will follow the diet and monitor 4 times a day regardless of what he says, but he said if the MFM puts me on insulin he might have a different opinion and I can listen to him over the MFM. I am torn on the whole thing since he is the diabetes specialist but the MFM is the one who knows more about the baby's health. That was probably a bit of a tangent from your question but basically I do not agree you should be labeled GD without testing to confirm.

moguippy · March 2018

@zande2016 were you on metformin for your first pregnancy? I love my endocrinologist but she's very non-confrontational and basically just goes with what the OB says even if she said something else originally. Plus my endo is leaving her practice in the end of April so I am getting stuck with a new endo I have never met before. I am going to ask my OB what she means by "treat me like a diabetic" and if it's not bad I will probably just go with it.
I do think the MFM got my due date wrong and that I am actually a week ahead of what they think, so being induced at 39 weeks will be like 40 anyway but I really don't want to be induced. (The tech at the dating ultrasound pushed me back 13 days (I was assuming I was about a week behind based on ovulation predictor tests and when we actually had sex), then at the 12w u/s I was already measuring 4 days ahead of the pushed back due date and at the anatomy scan I was measuring 5 days ahead, at the fetal echo I was measuring 1-2 weeks ahead based on head size only). So I'm either giving birth to a giant or I am ahead of their due date. But my OB thinks this kid is big because of my insulin resistance. even thought my numbers have been great. ugh. She's my twat today

zande2016 · March 2018

@moguippy I have been on metformin for many years, from years before my last pregnancy through now. The MFM did increase my dose and had me spread it out differently, which the endo agreed with. I feel like it's a little odd that we have OBs treat diabetes when that's really not their training, if you are questioning what the OB is saying then maybe find a new endo who is willing to challenge the OB? Also from whah I've read, large babies aren't automatic for women with GD, it's when your numbers aren't controlled. If your numbers have been fine, then I don't know if the baby measuring large should be blamed on GD. Many women without it have larger babies! Not everyone can be average after all...

edited to tag

morethanamama · March 2018

@zande2016 absolutely, a friend of mine who is Chinese had 3 very large babies. I just mentioned she is Chinese because she has a very tiny frame! And, she did not have GD. Her first one was 10lbs...

moguippy · March 2018

@zande2016 @kissableviv I was 8lb12oz sooooo... I'm not expecting a small baby lol. My brother was also over 8lbs. Neither of us were late. I'm not sure about DH but I think he was in the 7-8lb range.

My friend had two babies. First one no GD and almost 9 lbs. Second one was a GD pregnancy and less than 7lbs..

moguippy · March 2018

Also, the tech at my OB's office told me I had a choice of orange or fruit punch (before the OB told her I wasn't doing the test). So there might be options!

canucklehead123 · March 2018

Interesting on the fasting pre-test, I've heard that drinking the 'drink' on an empty stomach can lead to nausea/barfing. What about eating something low-carb/high-protein (perhaps eggs) before the test?

Sarafuss · March 2018

@canucklehead123 some OBs will tell you to do that (low carb/high protein breakfast an hour or two before the test). It's totally personal preference for the 1-hour. I'm pretty sure you have to fast for the 3-hour though and just try and keep it down. With my history, I don't risk it and prefer to fast. (If I fail the 1-hour they just consider me diabetic). I've never had any issue feeling nauseous. I don't feel great after drinking it but they let you have water and crushed ice (at my lab) while you wait for your blood draw and I feel like that helps get the sugary taste out of your mouth.

runsomewhere · March 2018

@canucklehead123 I just got back from a Dr.'s appointment. He's sending me to do the test at 26-28 weeks but he said I do not have to fast. I did not fast for it with my previous pregnancy and passed. I think that if you're in the completely healthy range not fasting won't impact the results.

SmashJam · March 2018

@canucklehead123 I have never thrown up after drinking the drink and I always fast before, but have been lucky to not really be having stomach issues by the time I take it.

emzie54 · March 2018

I ate a scrambled egg before my test during my last pregnancy. I passed. I didn’t find the drink that awful. It was like cold, flat orange soda, and the serving size was smaller than I expected, like the size of a mini bottle of water. I had a really weird reaction later in the day though. After the test was over I rushed back to work and into sessions and didn’t get to eat. A few hours later I got really lightheaded and nauseous and sweaty. I stopped what I was doing and ate food and then quickly felt normal again. I ran this reaction by my doctor because it freaked me out and he said that it was a normal rebound reaction. Make sure that you eat a good lunch after you take the test!

comealongponds · March 2018

Idk what I ate the morning of my test last pregnancy but I definitely ate a giant bowl of ice cream the night before lol (I passed and I was high risk with twins). Got my requisition today at my appointment so I’ll be getting it done in the next few weeks. I don’t mind the orange stuff, it reminds me of that orange drink McDonalds used to have that I’m pretty sure was just sugar and chemicals....I loved it as a kid lol.

devilcat139 · March 2018

I’m doing the test a week from today a little before 25 weeks. I’ve never had any blood sugar issues but I know having twins puts you at high risk for developing GD so I hope everything is ok! I was planning on having eggs for breakfast and doing the test around 1130am (I have an MFM appointment at 1230 so my doctor said to just drink it on the way over and have the lab do it before the appointment). Hopefully everything is fine but will definitely be asking for help in figuring what to eat what not to eat and when to eat if it’s not

Kenya715 · March 2018

Glad this thread is here! I failed my 1 hour test last time by 1 point. So frustrating. Passed the 3 hour with flying colors. I believe all I had was toast and a banana so my OB said skip the banana this time. (Duh) Really hope I pass the 1 hour this time. It just sucked a lot to have to do the 3 hour with the waiting and all of the blood draws. I have tiny veins and bruise really easily.

ckmb_1250 · March 2018

I'm planning to do the finger prick/check my blood sugar after eating normal meals over a few days vs the standard test, just to reduce the risk of false positives. I'm not sure how many Drs offer this, but mine offered without me even asking for an alternative.

WorkinWeezel · March 2018

Both of my kids were pretty big and I did not have GD either time. DS was 8 lbs 15 oz, DD was 9 lbs 12 oz. They tried to induce me early with both because they were concerned about size, and I refused. I may take them up on it this time if this baby looks big! Because of their size I had to do the early GD test at 12 weeks, which I passed. I just got my slip to do it sometime before my next appointment.

I've never eaten before any of mine, so I try to go super early in the morning. This whole eating something basic beforehand is throwing me off!

chaser61 · March 2018

+1 for eating a scrambled egg only before the 1 hour rather than fasting. I talked to the midwife during my first pregnancy about the concern that all of my mommy friends fail the 1 hour but pass the 3 hour. She said to eat an egg because it stabilizes your blood sugar. She said a lot of people hear that they should eat protein for breakfast and make the mistake of eating things with hidden sugar like sausage.

I took the first morning appt, ate one scrambled egg, and drank the stuff on the way to the appt. for my first. Planning to do that again.

morethanamama · March 2018

@ckmb_knottie my doctor didn't offer it even though I asked. The drink is not great but it is what it is. My doctor has been super open to alternatives so at this point I'm just gonna have to go with it! I'm probably going in the middle of my 25th week because I'll be out of town until 25w 2d.

millpe · March 2018

So I have my appointment scheduled for 2:30 pm when i am 28 weeks. No way am I fasting... I was just planning to eat a normal lunch around noon. Is this a big deal? Should I reschedule for the morning? I know some have mentioned that you get the drink beforehand but my clinic already made me aware that I will get the drink when I first check in and have to sit in the waiting room for an hour.

zande2016 · March 2018

For what it's worth...my endocrinologist is not a fan of the 3 hour test to diagnose GD. It's completely unnatural and everyone is going to experience crazy spikes after consuming 100G of glucose. He also acknowledged though that its what we use because we don't have anything better, BUT he is not convinced I have GD just because I failed the 3 hour. Maybe pricking your finger over a few days is a better indicator, but it is sooo dependent on what you eat so I am not sure if that would be any better.

moguippy · March 2018

@MrsMiller8588 Definitely do not fast. Just have a sensible lunch. High in protein, low in sugars/carbs.

morethanamama · March 2018

Actually I miscalculated... I'd have to do it at 26w +. Wondering if it's ok to do it in the middle of my 24th week?? Does it have to be 25? I can wait but it'd be nice to get it out of the way before I leave for Texas.

moguippy · March 2018

@kissableviv I've heard between 24 and 28 weeks and between 25 and 28 weeks. So 26 weeks would be fine

devilcat139 · March 2018

@kissableviv I’m doing it right at the end of my 24th week (though my doctors said earlier is better with twins) but it seems to be fine

Sarafuss · March 2018

@MrsMiller8588 I agree with @moguippy. I take my prep for the test more seriously than most people need to because of my risk factors. You should be fine!

runsomewhere · March 2018

@kissableviv my doctor wants me to do it between 26 and 28 weeks, same as last time.

morethanamama · March 2018

Thanks ladies, I'll check with him before I go. He put in my orders already and it's totally ok to go at 26 but these days I just want to get everything done asap hehe

elizabethrn87 · March 2018

Slightly confused because I have PCOS but come off my metformin after first trimester- did that with my daughter also. I wasn’t GD last pregnancy. Hoping for the same this time.

Sarafuss · March 2018

@elizabethrn87 when I was on met my MFM had me stop taking it around 13 weeks also. It seems like it varies per doctor. I failed my glucose test at 12 weeks that time so it didn’t seem to help me unfortunately.

moguippy · March 2018

@elizabethrn87 my endocrinologist had me come off it right away, but DH wanted me to stay on bc it can reduce the risk of MC in the first tri so the endo said to go back on and then I just stayed on it which I am regretting

zande2016 · March 2018

@elizabethrn87 my endo kept my on it through last pregnancy and again this time. There are studies that it lowers the risk of miscarriage in women with PCOS, and no studies showing it is harmful so he saw no reason to take me off it. I didn't have GD last time but I do this time and my MFM increased my dose to help control my sugars. So far after one week the extra 500 mg per day has really helped and bought me at least a couple more weeks before we have to consider insulin. I'd say if you don't have GD then don't worry about it, but if you end up with it, ask if you can try metformin before turning to insulin if diet alone doesn't control it.

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