Glucose Tolerance Test

Which is more important, your test or the other appointments? I had the test, but the doctors said it was borderline. Now, more than 20 yrs later I am taking SHOTS for my diabetes (have for more than 15 years). It took a good doctor to find out that I have diabetes. Yes, it's hard, because at times, my blood sugar will fall suddenly, and I have to really watch my diet. It's better to take the test in the morning, but do follow the doctor's orders regarding eating (not friends). If you feel you can't take the test later in the day - RESCHEDULE.

Can you go do the test early in the morning and then return for your appointment later in the afternoon as planned?

Don't fast, just do what is recommended by your dr. If you are that worried, just limited carbs that day. If it is up, it is up. You'll make yourself sick if you fast all day. Even if you have to take the 3 hour test, which you will only if there is a risk of gest diab., it's best to follow the guidelines of your ob.

As a gestational diabetic for the 2nd time now, I will tell you some "tricks" about eating that may help. I test my blood sugar 2 hours after eating. So, because you can't fast (which blood sugar is sometimes higher in the morning anyways) I would suggest making sure your lunch is at least 2 hours prior to your appointment. Also, eat a high protein lunch. Meats (if you are not vegetarian) and cheese do not elevate your blood sugar, but can stabilize it. Vegetables are also very low in carbs. I would also avoid fruits and especially fruit juices (even 100%) because they tend to spike your blood sugar levels quicker (even though they are natural sugars). Stick with water, coffee, or unsweetened tea (or if you are ok with artifical sweetners diet beverages) to drink.

Ultimately, if your body is insulin resistant, it just is. But I understand doing what you can to avoid it. I will say that if you are gestational diabetic, it is not that bad. During my first pregnancy, I was able to control my levels with food and a low-dose prescription (pill). But during this pregnancy (and we caught it much earlier this time), I am on 3 different types of insulin with 5 injections a day. As my doctor put it, when my body has a placenta in it, my insulin doesn't work on its own.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me! Best of luck!

Eat eggs right before your test. It worked for me with my second and third pregnancy. Good luck!

S. I think if you eat something like an egg for breakfast, you will be just fine - just don't eat any carbs especially orange juice which will spike your blood sugars or white bread, etc. Best of luck

I've done this 5 times...you do NOT need to fast. Definitely eat before you go, but not one hour before (that's all they ask). Those that had to go back were borderline for a reason, not because they did or didn't fast. Good luck!

Call your doctors office and tell them what time your appt is scheduled for and ask what they required for this type of test...meaning total fasting or not and if not what you are able to eat and how many hours before the test. Follow their instructions, if you require total fast then I suggest you call the lab and reschedule your appt for an early morning time and tell them you are a total fast and you cannot come late in the day (sorry). I found out in my first preg that the lab should never of made me be scheduled late for a fasting test while preg and the doctors office advised me from that point on to tell them I am preg and it's a fasting test I have to have an early appt period. Never assume anything like the folks making the appt time are correct on what they are doing and never assume what the doctors office wants you to do and since you've had a child before you already know don't feel like you can't ask questions, even experienced moms ask.

When I did my 1 hour test, I asked whether I needed to fast or not. The nurse at the office told me that I could eat sausage and eggs (my appt was early) but no bread or milk; nothing that would raise my sugar levels. You could have a smaller portion of meat and veggies for lunch and drink water or unsweet tea and you should be fine.

Hi S.,

I had exactly the same appointment time, and I had high glucose levels for the 1 hour test. I ate my lunch at 12:00, because they said you should not have any food only about a couple of hours before the test. Then my 3 hour test was fine. I would say definitely have a light lunch - only salad maybe. Everyone's body is different, but I also remember that I had elevated sugar levels after eating an apple about an hour or two before another blood test. So, think about carbs more comprehensively. I hope everything goes fine. And remember that even if you have to do the 3 hour test it is only for the good of both you and the baby.

S.,
I recently took the 1 hr. GTT & did eat beforehand- just avoided fruit & fruit & sweets by direction from Dr's office (& I passed!) I would definitely not fast if your appt. is 3:30! Your blood glucose level may go down if you fast, then rebound high. Just eat normally, avoiding sweets & fruit/juice.
Good Luck!

The suggestion to limit carbs and sugar is a good one. Eat a lot of protein (eggs, stuff like that) and keep the sugar low. Most people who need to return for the 3-hour are fine, but it's a pain.