[benharperfan]

I went today for my three hour GTT because I did not pass the initial screening (my number was 5 points higher than it should be). My nurse practitioner fully believes that I will pass the three hour test without any problems, but I am a paranoid first time mom-to-be.

Anyone else taken the three hour test?? How were your results compared to the 1 hour test? How long did it take to get results back?

Thanks for any input. I know I shouldn't worry, but I do.

 

[Snowbaby]

It is very, very common for people to fail the 1-hr and then go on to pass the 3-hr test so your chances of all being fine are great.

That being said, I failed my one hour AND then the three hour (got the results back in about 2-3 days. I forgot what the number was for the one hour but it was only slightly elevated. But then I failed the three hour anyway. The good news is that GD has been more manageable than I thought it would be.

Good luck on your results!

 

[bluehalo]

I don't remember the numbers from the tests, but I failed the first test but easily passed the 3 hour test. Hope it goes well for you!

 

[CraftyMommaOf2]

I had/have GD with both babes. My sugars are mega high, tho. GD really isn't bad for alot of ppl....they can control it with their diet. I have to take insulin shots. Alot of ppl fail the 1 hr test because they are stressed out about it. Stress elevates your sugar levels. It was less than 5 days to get my results back from the 3 hr test. Did you feel ok during your 3 hr? If you weren't really light headed, dizzy, tired/sleepy, or just funky feeling I really wouldn't worry

Best wishes mama

 

[BoobyJuice]

First of all, just because you "fail" the glucose tolerance test does not mean you have gestational diabetes. Like all things medical they have changed the number required to pass the test. As they lower and lower the number, more and more women are told they have diabetes. True gestational diabetes needs to be controlled by strict diet or insulin. Most women just don't tolerate huge amount over sugar overload all at once - the amount of glucose given during the test is like drinking 2 liters of coke or eating a whole chocolate cake. I honestly wouldn't worry even if they tell you you have gestational diabetes unless your blood sugar is seriously over the limit. If you do "fail" ask what their limit is and what your numbers were.

I "failed" the first test with ds1. Failed it by 1 point, but because I was flagged I had to go take the 3 hour. Failed that too - barely. At my next appt my midwife said she never would have made me take the 3 hour from being off by one point, but their nurse reviews the numbers and calls. So because I failed the 3 hour I had to stick my finger 3 times a day for the rest of my pregnancy to test my blood - no big deal just annoying. Never, not once did my blood sugar go over the limits.

Don't worry. Really. (Luckily this pregnancy I'm getting my blood tested after eating a big meal - a much more normal measure of how my body works)

 

[Snowbaby]

Jen, how'd your three hour go? Hope all is well.

 

[KateMary]

Let us know how your 3 hour goes, I have to go get it on Thursday. I am more nervous that I am going to be STARVING the whole time than that I have GD. I wake up hungry at 6 am and that day I won't be able to eat till at least 11 am! Did anyone else get really shaky, etc on the 3 hour test?

 

[benharperfan]

thanks for all the support and info ladies. i still haven't gotten the results yet for my 3 hour test.....they make you worry and then they keep you waiting!!!

I am going to call them tomorrow if i don't hear anything.

katemary- i was very hungry in the morning, but the glucose drink actually kept away the shakes and hunger pains for the endurance of the test. the first place i stopped after my test was for a bagel, though!

 

[KateMary]

Thanks BenHarperFan! That makes me feel much better!

 

[Anna Trueblood]

I just wanted to correct something said upthread first-- the 3 hour test is typically done with a 100 gram glucose drink. 2 liters of coke contain about 210 grams of sugar.

I failed the 1 hour barely and then in the 3 hour my fasting level was borderline, my 1 and 2 hour levels were elevated (wildly at 1 hour) and my 3 hour was borderline. I've been controlling my carbs and it's not hard. It sucks that I can't eat whatever I want, but I'm not going hungry and I'm not cutting calories-- I've simply shifted the balance btwn carbs, fat and protein. I tried to switch to the brewer diet for pregnancy and found that it actually didn't have enough carbs for me. I was spilling too many ketones. I don't feel that the diet in any way poses a risk to my baby. The risk comes from practitioners who are freaking out. Make certain that your practitioner is with you on what constitutes acceptible risk.

I am also walking, swimming, or doing yoga daily to help control my glucose levels. Currently, I track my sugars and keep a spreadsheet with a 10 day moving average. I am running a little high on fasting and post dinner, but my post breakfast and lunch are usually ok. The exercise component is HUGE in my case. And stress will really, really whack my levels out.

 

[benharperfan]

I finally got my results back - they said my three hour test was fine. I don't know what the numbers are, but I suppose I really shouldn't worry about it.

KateMary - how did your test go on Thursday?

 

[Snowbaby]

So glad you passed, Jen. It's just one less thing to worry about!

Anna, I know what you mean about stress - nothing makes my sugar level higher than begin stressed out.

 

[mothergooseofthree]

I have had GD with all of my pregnancies. I was able to control it stictly with diet. It is not that big of a deal. The diet was actually more than I would typically eat, just spread out through the day.

The down side is that I will probably develop diabetes later in life.....I knew that since everyone in my family does.

The up side is that I have not gained more than 11 lbs with my pregnancies......and my babies are born nice and healthy.