"Failed" 1st Glucose Test :-( « Back to Group Discussions

[Maitrima]

I got a 145 on my 1st glucose test and they want me to come back for the 3 hr test (with overnight fasting & 3 prior days of high carbs). 

All of the sudden I'm concerned about being diagnosed w/ GD, not because I'd mind watching my diet but because the idea of going down a road of potentially increased monitoring and interventions scares the cr-p outta me. I switched to a Midwife about a month ago so I could try to have a natural birth, albeit in the hospital. I understand I can't predict or prevent everything, but I'd love to hear from others on how I can best proceed. Recommendations for specific studies or books would be greatly appreciated too. Thanks!

[Maitrima]

Remembered the Evidenced Based Birth site & found this, which is helping me feel better & not worry so much: http://evidencebasedbirth.com/diagnosed-with-gestational-diabetes-its-not-the-end-of-the-world-6/ 

[buko]

I have been nervous about my upcoming test (Thursday) because my mom and one of her sisters were diagnosed with GD, and my diet, while okay, could be better.  My MWs do not require any of their clients to take it, but I will be doing so, because of my family history.  That said, this sort of calmed me (since I know my MWs aren't quick to diagnose it based on "borderline" results, and wouldn't risk me out of HB unless it were wildly uncontrollable)...

http://www.gentlebirth.org/archives/gdhgoer.html

I know it's a bit old, but her more recent writings pretty much agree.

[MaybeJ]

I failed the 1 hour and get the results of the 2 hour test tomorrow (the longer test in Canada is called a 2 hour test - not sure if the procedure is different).  I have been very upset about this and was surprised I failed the 1 hour though I do have some family history of diabetes.  Either way, I don't think it will make much difference for my care and delivery plans.  I'm also with midwives.

[Maitrima]

Thanks for that link! I am with a Midwife, but switched to her mid-way, have only seen her twice so far, and we're planning a hospital birth. I don't want to take any risks without researching them first :-)

[buko]

FWIW, a lot of what Goer says (<3 her!) rings true for me b/c the "cutoffs" vary so widely between practitioners, and my mom (diagnosed GD with my brother) had a baby at 39w5d who weighed a whopping 7 lbs 2 oz. I know she really watched her diet and GD is not all about macrosomia, but just sayin'. I do think it's a real thing, and perhaps not as overblown as CPD or FTP (both of which legitimately exist but are waaaaaay over diagnosed). That's why I'm taking the test when I could easily decline it. But I do think it's a bit overblown, honestly (in the US and some other places).

[buko]

Oh, and along those lines... 145 is considered "passing" by a significant minority of practitioners, so there you go. I am guessing you will pass the 3-hour.

[MaybeJ]

I got my results from the 2 hour test today.  I guess I didn't technically fail but I still had one elevated value.  So not gestational diabetes but "impaired glucose tolerance".  I've been told to be mindful of exercising and eating a balanced diet (things I already should be doing) and to limit my intake of processed sugars.

That last bit will be tricky over the holidays but I will do my best! 

[baileyandmikey]

I failed the 3 hr test this week.... so I have to start monitoring my sugar, following a strict diet, and most likely seeing the dr more  :(

[buko]

I guess I lucked out, especially considering my "family history."  My non-fasting 1-hour GTT was 85.  Shocked the heck out of me. 

[MommaHeather]

I failed my first test, 175, but I hadn't fasted. So... it confuses me, because we aren't really supposed to fast while pregnant, right?

Anyway, I haven't done the 3 hour test because I'm concerned about fasting, but have decided to start checking my glucose a couple times a day, and I'm pretty normal. Sometimes I range high, but I drink water and do some exercise and it goes right down. And, this is after having serious fears of needles. But, when it comes down to it, we do what we need to do for our babies.

[Maitrima]

Update - I hadn't passed the 2nd glucose test either. Spent a week or so pretty cranky about it and was pissed (and refused) when they tried to send me to a perinatologist for it, but adjusted.

Saw a dietician and have been monitoring my glucose, bringing in my numbers to midwife each week. So far so good.

Of course, now my big thing is waiting for the Group B Step results from a couple of days ago. If I can pass that one I will be one extremely happy mama!

How are the rest of you doing?