Optional glucose challenge test - should I take it?

[EllisH]

In the Netherlands, where I currently live, the glucose challenge test is not offered standard. I am told I can take it if I wish - not sure whether I should do it. Can anyone advice? What would be the treatment if I do have gd? Maybe I should have a low-sugar diet anyway...?

[~Amy~]

I wouldn't take it unless you have risk factors (family history of Type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes, you having GD in a previous pregnancy, etc). I take it because it's standard here & my dad has Type 2 diabetes so I'm considered higher risk for GD, but if I had no risk factors, I would refuse the test.

[DaisyMae08]

I would take it even without risk factors. Healthy women with no risk factors can still get gestational diabetes. The risks of gestational diabetes are serious enough that I would want to know and would not want it to go untreated.

[Evergreen]

I opted to take it with DD1 for the reasons mentioned by the pp.

I wasn't planning on it with DD2 but for three months in a row I gained 10+ pounds each month. So I took it and it was also negative.

I will probably take it this time also. I really don't mind the drink they give and my nausea should be gone by then so I'll be able to keep my stomach empty for longer periods of time.

[WifeofAnt]

Normal weight vegetarian athletes can get GD, it doesn't only affect people with risk factors. I have risk factors (PCOS) so I didn't really fight the 'routine' but I passed with flying colors. Its really up to you though.

[lillymonster]

I took it because age is a factor, I have read, and I am almost 40, and the other choice was testing with a meter. I don't know about genetics, it was suspected my mom had it with me, and my sister was borderline.

First time I got sick because I fasted, this time I ate protein, which I am eating more of anyway and felt just fine.

If you google online there are GD diets, i think it limits sugar and carbs like bread and juices.

[MamaPhD]

Originally Posted by DaisyMae08

I would take it even without risk factors. Healthy women with no risk factors can still get gestational diabetes. The risks of gestational diabetes are serious enough that I would want to know and would not want it to go untreated.

It's a simple ad non-invasive test that can potentially be very informative. So why not!

[m0xxie]

Originally Posted by DaisyMae08

I would take it even without risk factors. Healthy women with no risk factors can still get gestational diabetes. The risks of gestational diabetes are serious enough that I would want to know and would not want it to go untreated.

THIS! I had lots of risk factors, and I was enormously relieved to get a great result, and now it's one less thing I have to worry about (and not much guilt if I do have that piece of cake, thanks!).

[EllisH]

Thanks, everyone! I will probably take it then - esp. in view of my age (I'll be 39 in December) and that I do like peace of mind when results are good....

[karanyavel]

I can't think of a good reason NOT to take it, other than if your schedule is packed so tightly that you can't fit it in. Here, at least, you drink a bottle of orange soda stuff (very sugary and kind of gross), then get a few blood tests (finger sticks) over the course of an hour.

The test isn't a big deal and knowing whether or not you are developing GD is pretty important, IMO.

--K

[MyFullHouse]

I chose to do the 1-hour (with a breakfast menu, instead of the drink) because all I needed to do was eat a simple meal, then drive down to have my blood drawn. If I had failed it, I would have opted to monitor my blood sugar at home, rather than take the follow up 3-hour test, which would have been nearly impossible to fit into my schedule.

For me, it came with the added bonus of checking on some other things. While my glucose is fine, it turns out I'm pretty deficient in vit D. On the other hand, it also dug up my lack of rubella immunity, which I know the hospital will once again nudge me on. So there are other pros and cons. But I really appreciate the peace of mind on the glucose end!