Glucose test in two weeks...

[Mommie22]

Any tips for passing it? 

[berry987]

Well, I'm not a medical professional, but I failed my 1 hour, threw up at my 3 hour, and am now just monitoring my blood sugar using a glucometer instead of retaking the 3 hour. My numbers are all coming back fine, so I do not have GD. That said, my doctor told me I may have failed the first one because I eat a very low carb diet already (almost no sugar or grains at all, including fruit). Apparently there is some evidence that eating low carb and then chugging the drink gives you an artificially high reading because your body gets shocked. I'm not sure if that's true, but she asked me to eat more carbs in the days leading up to the 3 hour so it would be a more accurate reading (not a ton, but a slice of bread at each meal, for example). Of course, the 1 hour has a high false-positive rate anyway, so that may have the been the issue.

Good luck! 

[cinderella08]

I wouldn't try to "pass" it - not a wise decision.  In fact, you really can't "pass" it if your body is having trouble with blood sugar.  Gestational diabetes can be a very serious condition during pregnancy that can affect both mother and baby - if you end up having trouble - it is best to know about it with the simple, minimally invasive test and be able to control it.  Eat a healthy breakfast (my CNM suggested a good, high protein, medium-carb breakfast) and don't worry!

[Autumn Breeze]

If you have a history of GD, or symptoms that have lead your provider to believe you may, then I really recommend against trying to trick pass the test. Instead I would work on perfecting a diet that doesn't result in high blood sugars, and close monitoring (done by you).

If you're just looking to avoid the glucola, rather than scheduling the test, I would recommend talking to them about using a meal, or jelly beans instead.

[Mommie22]

I guess I'm just thinking about the high false positives for the 1 hour glucose test. I want to avoid the 3 hour if I can and don't want to increase my odds of failing the test for something I could have avoided. If there's a problem, I'll fail either way and I know that. Thanks for your responses. 

[cameragirl]

I've read that if you eat a low-carb, high protein diet already, you could get a false positive by not having enough glycogen in your system. If you follow the Brewer diet or something similar, you can avoid issues by upping your carb intake for a few days before the test.

Another tip is to eat a high protein, low sugar meal before the test. The labs often say that fasting is required, but that isn't true. I HAD to eat before both GTT's with DD because I had hyperemesis. Eating a protein meal not only prevents vomiting that will force you to retake the test, it also helps you process the glucose more normally.

[sarahlynne]

I second the meal test option - there is a meal prescription(spec amount of carbs, etc in it) that you eat and then go in to have your blood draw at 1 hour.  I have done that for three pregnancies myself.  Not everyone will do it, though.  Otherwise, the suggestions of eating some good protein beforehand is a good idea. 

[emmaegbert]

I've read and heard this about the carbs prior to the test. Some people suggest "carb loading" in the days before the test. I personally wouldn't do this as I know I am sensitive to carbs (and I was dxed with GD in my second pregnancy. I am now in my third and declined GTTs and went straight to monitoring and have had very good blood sugar levels following a restricted carb diet). But if you don't think carbs are an issue for you, that might help avoid a false positive.
 

Originally Posted by cameragirl 

I've read that if you eat a low-carb, high protein diet already, you could get a false positive by not having enough glycogen in your system. If you follow the Brewer diet or something similar, you can avoid issues by upping your carb intake for a few days before the test.

Another tip is to eat a high protein, low sugar meal before the test. The labs often say that fasting is required, but that isn't true. I HAD to eat before both GTT's with DD because I had hyperemesis. Eating a protein meal not only prevents vomiting that will force you to retake the test, it also helps you process the glucose more normally.

Something that lowers most people's blood sugar very effectively is a brief, brisk walk. If they let you leave the lab, take a 15-20 minute brisk walk around the neighborhood. Or, walk right before you go it, it might help.

I was never supposed to fast before the 1hrs that I took, but definitely don't eat a bunch of carbs right before. Give yourself 2-3 hours after a carb-heavy meal before you drink that glucola. Like protein, fat will also slow glucose absorption. So if you do eat, I would suggest something primarily fat and protein.

And get plenty of sleep! Being tired can throw your results. As can being sick (so if you are getting sick, postpone the test).

FWIW I don't think you can really "trick" the test into a negative if you are actually insulin resistant or have GD.

[Mommie22]

I took it this morning after having a protein breakfast. The drink didn't make me sick initially, but later I started feeling awful. I still feel sluggish and want to go to bed. I've gotten almost nothing done today. I hope all this isn't a bad sign. I think I'll find out at my next appointment on the 10th. Thanks for all of your suggestions!

[cameragirl]

I felt horrible after both GTT's with DD. Taking 50 grams of glucose isn't really natural, and it makes a lot of women feel crummy. Eating a good meal and resting after helped some.

[phathui5]

I did the yucky sugar drink test with my first, used the meal option with my second and have declined the test with the other kids.

[Mommie22]

Got my results back today and my glucose was fine. whew...