How To Prepare 3 Hour Test
If your doctor would like to see additional testing, based on your results from the 1 hour test, you may be asked to have a 3 hour OGTT. It is important to follow all of the instructions very carefully, as it will affect the results of the test.
When you arrive at the office a sample or baseline glucose test will be run and used for comparing other glucose values. You will be asked to drink a sweet liquid containing a measured amount of glucose, it is best to drink it quickly. Then blood samples will be collected at timed intervals of 1,2, and 3 hours after you drink the glucose.
Here is the best method of preparation:
Who Is At Risk For Gestational Diabetes
Diabetes mellitus during pregnancy can occur in any woman who is carrying a child. However, the likelihood of developing breast cancer increases with age for women of African, Asian, Native American, and Pacific Islander heritage who are beyond the age of 25. Heart disease is another risk factor that has been linked to an increased likelihood of developing GD.
Pregnancy Glucose Test Alternatives
Consider using real food instead of the glucola drink .
Some doctors provide alternatives to glucola and test pregnant women after theyve consumed things like:
- 6 ounces of organic grape juice + a banana.
- 1 cup milk + 1.5 cups cereal.
- Pancakes with 1/4 cup maple syrup
- Natural soda or drink with 50 grams of total sugar
- 16-ounces orange juice.
Another option that you can consider if youre trying to avoid the test altogether is to monitor your blood sugar with a glucometer throughout your pregnancy. This is the alternative that I chose while pregnant because it wouldnt create an extreme blood sugar spike, and allowed me to follow my regular healthy diet. I was also able to avoid feeling like I was going to vomit and did not have to experience the dreaded crash and burn that women report after drinking the glucola.
Personally, I used this monitor and these strips to monitor my glucose . I kept a log for two weeks to ensure everything was on track. I showed this log to my midwife and used this to officially opt-out of the traditional test.
Here is what the normal levels should look like:
- Fasting blood glucose of 86 or lower
- 1 hour after eating = 140 or lower
- 2 hours after eating = 120 or lower
- 3 hours after eating = back to fasting level
There can be some variation in this, but the majority of your readings should be in these ranges.
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Group B Streptococcus Test
GBS is a healthy vaginal bacterium however, not all women will test positive. GBS does not usually pass to the baby, but if it does, it can cause serious illness. A vaginal-rectal swab will be done around 35-37 weeks to identify whether you have this bacteria present. If our laboratory identifies that the bacteria is present, you will be treated with antibiotics while in labour.
What To Eat Before Your Pregnancy Glucose Test
â Last updated: July 26, 2022
Heres what to eat before a pregnancy glucose test, which foods to avoid, and what happens if you dont pass!
If youre a first time mom you might be nervous to take your first glucose test which happens around 24 weeks of pregnancy.
But, dont fret!
This post will help relieve any fears and help you understand how to prepare and what to expect.
So, heres what to eat before a glucose test, foods to avoid, and what happens if you dont pass!
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How Do I Pass The Glucose Tolerance Test In Pregnancy
In many countries, its recommended you pay specific attention to your diet in the three days prior to your GTT, and make sure you have a balance of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in each meal.
Here are some great examples of healthy, balanced breakfast ideas to help keep blood glucose levels stable.
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How Can I Prepare For The Three Hour Test
Honestly, I think the best thing you can do is just eat your normal diet. You shouldnt try and trick the test because if you have Gestational Diabetes, then you NEED to know so you can treat is as effectively as possible.
Some medical providers will recommend carb loading in the days leading up to the test, but for the most part, the recommendation is to just eat normally and then fast for 10-12 hours before you actually take the test.
You need to take the test as early in the morning as you can so you wont have to fast all day. Plus, if you are taking it at a lab , many of them require you start the test at 8:00 AM so you are done before the employees need to take a lunch break.
When I failed the one-hour test, I tried to limit sugar and carbs substantially and part of me wonders if that affected my results. Its easy to read into things, and I have heard that women who eat a lower-carb diet have a higher rate of a false positive. I dont know how much truth there is to that, though.
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What Is A Glucose Test During Pregnancy
Glucose tests are used to screen for and diagnose gestational diabetes. They measure how efficiently your body processes sugar, which is key, since pregnancy hormones can affect this natural regulation process. Gestational diabetes is one of the most common pregnancy conditions up to 10 percent of pregnant women in the US develop it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention . Left untreated, gestational diabetes has some potentially dangerous consequences. An increased chance of preeclampsia, preterm labor and c-section are among the risks Mom may face. Whats more, baby may be born at a higher birth weight or with complications, such as respiratory distress or low blood sugar. Fortunately, proactive monitoring and treatment can help ensure you and baby stay healthy and safe. Suffice to say, the glucose test is a small price to pay.
So exactly what is a glucose testand what does it entail? First, its important to clarify that there are actually two different glucose tests during pregnancy: The first is a screening that identifies if youre at an elevated risk for gestational diabetes. If the initial glucose blood test shows that youre not processing sugar quickly, youll move on to the second, more involved glucose tolerance test. The latter is diagnostic, meaning youll have a definite answer.
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Choose Healthy Carbohydrates Instead
Complex or unrefined carbohydrates such as whole grain breads and cereals, whole fresh fruits and even baked potatoes are absorbed more slowly into your bloodstream and are less likely to give you the large sugar jolts that can result in excess glucose filtering into your urine.
In fact, since complex carbohydrates contain more fiber, they actually slow the absorption of sugar into your bloodstream. Whats more, they provide lots of essential nutrients for pregnancy .
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When Is The Glucose Screening Test Taken During Pregnancy
You typically get a glucose screening test between 24 and 28 weeks of pregnancy. However, your provider may want you to be screened earlier than 24 weeks if a routine urine test shows a high level of sugar in your urine or if you’re considered high risk. If the results are normal, you’ll be screened again at 24 to 28 weeks.
Of course, if you were diagnosed with diabetes before pregnancy, you won’t need to be screened. Instead, you’ll continue to work with your provider to manage your condition during pregnancy.
How Do You Pass Your Pregnancy Glucose Test
How your body works to process glucose during pregnancy is mostly out of your control. However, eating sugary, sweet foods before your screening will affect your results. These include things like bread, pasta, cakes, sugary cereals, juices and soft drinks. If you want to pass your glucose screening test, avoid these foods and drinks prior to the test.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Screening for gestational diabetes is just one of the many tests youll have during pregnancy. Its become a routine part of prenatal care because unmanaged diabetes can cause complications for both you and the fetus. Glucose tests are simple and relatively painless. It involves drinking a sweet, sugary liquid and getting blood drawn from a vein in your arm at specific intervals. If your body isnt processing glucose correctly, your blood glucose levels will be elevated or abnormal. Talk to your pregnancy care provider to make sure you understand what a glucose test is, when to get it and where you need to go. They can help you understand the process.
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services.Policy
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What Happens If Your Glucose Screening Test Is Abnormal
If your glucose screening test is elevated or “abnormal,” your body may not be producing enough insulin. Results over 130 mg/dL could be indicative of a problem. However, before your doctor can diagnose you with gestational diabetes, you will need to take a confirmatory three-hour glucose test.
To prepare for this three-hour gestational diabetes test, you will need to fast overnight and then drink a solution with an even higher dose of glucose. Your blood will then be sampled several times over a period of about three hours and tested for abnormal levels of glucose.
What Is The Difference Between Blood Glucose Screening And Tolerance Tests
Glucose screening and tolerance tests help healthcare providers check the way your body processes glucose . The screening test is used to determine if you are at risk of having gestational diabetes, and the tolerance test can help determine whether you actually have the condition. This information, and the steps taken in response, are crucial for the health of you and your baby. Youâll need to have your blood drawn, so you might feel dizzy or lightheaded, and you may have slight bruising or bleeding around the spot where blood was drawn, but otherwise the risks associated with these tests are minimal.
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Influence Of Lower Cutoff Values For 100
Department of Gynecology, Obstetrics and Mastology, Botucatu Medical School, So Paulo State University, So Paulo, Brazil. To evaluate data from patients with normal oral glucose tolerance test results and a normal or impaired glycemic profile to determine whether lower cutoff values for the OGTT and GP could identify pregnant women at risk for excessive fetal growth. We classified 701 pregnant women with positive screening for gestational diabetes mellitus into 2 categories normal 100-g OGTT and normal GP and normal 100-g OGTT and impaired GP-to evaluate the influence of lower cutoff points in a 100-g OGTT and GP for identification of pregnant women at excessive fetal growth risk. The OGTT is considered impaired if 2 or more values are above the normal range, and the GP is impaired if the fasting glucose level or at least 1 postprandial glucose value is above the normal range. To establish the criteria for the OGTT , we considered the mean , mean plus 1 SD , and mean plus 2 SD and for the GP, we considered the mean and mean plus 1 SD . Subsequently, the women were reclassified according to the new cutoff points for both tests . Consideration of values, in isolation or combination, yielded 6 new diagnostic criteria. Excessive fetal growth was the response variable for analysis of the new cutoff points. Odds ratios and their respective cContinue reading > >
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How Do I Prepare For A Glucose Tolerance Test
If you fail your glucose screening, your pregnancy care provider will suggest a second test to diagnose gestational diabetes. This test is similar, but lasts longer and requires more blood draws.
Your pregnancy care provider will give you specific eating instructions before your test. The instructions may include:
- Eating at least 150 milligrams of carbohydrates per day for three days before testing.
- Restricting all food and drink for at least eight to 12 hours before the test. Drinking a few sips of water the morning of the test is usually OK.
- Scheduling your test for first thing in the morning.
Its important to note, its possible to fail your glucose screening but pass a glucose tolerance test.
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What Can You Do If Youre At Risk For Gestational Diabetes
If youre at risk for gestational diabetes, there are a few things you can do to help lower your chances of developing the condition:
-Get regular exercise. Exercise can help your body use insulin more effectively.
-Eat a healthy diet. Eating lots of fresh fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can help your body control blood sugar levels.
-Maintain a healthy weight. If youre overweight, losing just 5 to 10% of your body weight can help lower your risk of gestational diabetes.
It is important to consider these things even before pregnancy, so Im glad youre thinking about it.
Who’s At Risk Of Gestational Diabetes
Any woman can develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy, but you’re at an increased risk if:
- your body mass index is above 30 use the BMI healthy weight calculator to work out your BMI
- you previously had a baby who weighed 4.5kg or more at birth
- you had gestational diabetes in a previous pregnancy
- 1 of your parents or siblings has diabetes
- you are of south Asian, Black, African-Caribbean or Middle Eastern origin
If any of these apply to you, you should be offered screening for gestational diabetes during your pregnancy.
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How The Test Will Feel
Drinking the glucose solution is similar to drinking very sweet soda.
Serious side effects from this test are very uncommon. With the blood test, some people feel nauseated, sweaty, lightheaded, or may even feel short of breath or faint after drinking the glucose. Tell your doctor if you have a history of these symptoms related to blood tests or medical procedures.
When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others feel only a prick or stinging. Afterward, there may be some throbbing or a slight bruise. This soon goes away.
How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Type 2 Diabetes
Women who have gestational diabetes have a high chance of developing type 2 diabetes at some point later in their lives. However, type 2 diabetes can be prevented. The following steps can reduce your risk:
- maintain a healthy eating plan
- maintain a healthy weight for your height
- do regular physical activity
- have regular follow-up blood tests every one to 3 years to check your blood glucose levels, especially if you have further pregnancies.
Talk to your doctor about follow-up blood tests to check for diabetes. The frequency of the tests will depend on your risk for developing diabetes.
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How Gestational Diabetes Can Affect Your Pregnancy
Most women with gestational diabetes have otherwise normal pregnancies with healthy babies.
However, gestational diabetes can cause problems such as:
- your baby growing larger than usual this may lead to difficulties during the delivery and increases the likelihood of needing induced labour or a caesarean section
- polyhydramnios too much amniotic fluid in the womb, which can cause premature labour or problems at delivery
- premature birth giving birth before the 37th week of pregnancy
- pre-eclampsia a condition that causes high blood pressure during pregnancy and can lead to pregnancy complications if not treated
- your baby developing low blood sugar or yellowing of the skin and eyes after he or she is born, which may require treatment in hospital
- the loss of your baby though this is rare
Having gestational diabetes also means youre at an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes in the future.
How To Pass The Glucose Tolerance Test In Pregnancy
So youre 24+ weeks, and you were told to take the glucose test.
If youre anxious, youre not alone.
After reading this post, youre going to learn how to pass the glucose tolerance test in pregnancy.
Specifically, youll learn:
- How to prepare for the 1 hour test, ,
- What you should eat before taking the glucose test, and
- What happens if you fail the 3 hour test.
Lets get started.
Disclaimer
***READ FIRST***
Although I am a doctor, I am not your doctor. This information is for informational purposes only and should not substitute the advice from your healthcare professional. All kinds of exercise and dietary changes are potentially dangerous, and those who do not seek counsel from the appropriate health care authority assume the liability of any injury which may occur. Please read my full Disclaimer for more information. Also, this post may contain affiliate links: meaning I may receive a commission if you use them.
Ok, moving on.
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