[Nyzira]

We have to go for our GD test at the next visit, next month. For those of you that have already had yours, did you need to prepare for it in any special way before-hand? Like not eat certain foods so many hours before the test or not participate in certain activities or anything? From what I've read there really isn't any preparation needed for GD testing but I want to make doubly sure.

And before anyone suggests it, I already plan to call the office next week and ask what they suggest but I wanted to hear from others that have already dealt with it, as well.

Also, when you went for your test (and I'm assuming this will be the 1-hr test) did you drink your drink, leave and then go back or did you have to sit in the office for that full hour (or 3 hours, if that was your case)?

Just planning ahead and wondering if I need to take a book... or the laptop.

[MamaAnna]

You'll be doing the 1-hour test. The 3-hour is only if you fail the 1-hour. I took my Nintendo DS along to help pass the time since it can really drag. Especially if the chairs are uncomfortable.

Odds are they won't tell you this, but watch what you eat in the days leading up to your test. If you don't normally eat cake, don't eat a bunch before the test. Same for anything high in sugar or carbs. It can throw your results. I failed the 1-hour with a score of 187 (the cut off is 140) because I'd had my birthday cake in the days leading up to the test. I couldn't do the 3-hour (my stomach wouldn't take it), but a monitor showed that my glucose is normally on the low side so thankfully I don't have GD. You don't want to take the 3-hour if you don't have to though. The 1-hour can make you feel lousy, the 3-hour can make you feel horrid.

Check with your doctor's office as well as the lab before your test. My OB said not to fast before the test, but the lab wouldn't do it unless I fasted. Make sure that they're in agreement and if not contact your OB to see what he/she wants you to do.

Good luck!

[*Stephanie*]

I didn't eat or drink anything after midnight the night before, I went in around 8am for the one hour test. Drank the nasty stuff and sat there for a hour. I failed the one hour test.

Had to go back and drink the nasty stuff again for the three hour test, they took my blood sugar every hour for three hours...and passed that test. Ha, I feel bad for my DH who stayed with me thru the whole thing...was so boring!

[Nyzira]

Luckily, my doctor's office has their own lab, so there's no running off to someplace else. His nurses will be doing the test and he'll give the results there.

I'm hoping they don't make me fast as the appointment isn't until 2.10 in the afternoon. >.<

Thanks for the words of wisdom, ladies.

[MamaAnna]

It usually isn't a fasting test, some independent labs just like to be picky. I can't imagine they'd have scheduled it so late if they planned on telling you to fast.

[Carrie429]

With DS I drank the drink at home an hour before my appt and went in - no sitting or waiting around. I passed so I've never done a 3 hour (and hope I never have to!)

I don't remember being given any specific instructions regarding eating before the test... but its possible i just forgot.

[DawnN]

This time around I took the A1C test. With my son the 2 hour and with my dd Sarah the 1 hour.

With the 1 hour and 2 hour, I was told to fast for 12 hours leading up to it. I had to go in and get the first blood draw (or finger prick), drink the sickeningly sweet drink, and then wait right there in the lab waiting room. Then they drew the 2nd blood draw and I was sent home.

My suggestion would be to bring something like a package of cheese crackers or something to nibble on AFTER the 2nd blood draw. You may feel a bit queasy and light headed from the drink on an empty stomach.

[Nyzira]

Thanks, ladies.

I'll definitely give the doctor a call before the test to find out for sure what they want me to do but it's nice to have other's accounts.

[Kelllilee]

with both my girls they gave me the drink before hand and I just went in about 10-15 minutes before the hour was up. they said to just eat normal.

I declined the test this time around.

[Nyzira]

I'm pretty certain they won't be giving me the drink ahead of time since I don't have another appointment till that day (it's combined with my normal August prenatal appointment). It would be nice if they did, though. I've read it's easier to drink if you can have it chilled.

And I'd be too afraid to turn down the test given my family history of diabetes, the fact that I'm severely overweight and already have hypoglycemia.

Additional question: Do they draw blood or just do a finger prick?

[Kelllilee]

blood draw is what they've done in the past for me.

[Nyzira]

Ugh. I hate blood draws. It's always such a pain (no pun intended. )

I'm terrible for giving up blood.