Friday, March 29, 2024
HomeExclusiveWhat To Eat Before Gestational Diabetes Test

What To Eat Before Gestational Diabetes Test


Tips On How To Pass The Glucose Tolerance Test During Pregnancy

GESTATIONAL DIABETES: WHAT TO EAT & WHAT TO AVOID! SNACK/MEAL IDEAS

People sometimes ask how to pass the glucose tolerance test. But heres the truth: theres no passing or failing. If youre diabetic, the test will find outand truly, thats important for you and your baby, so you can get the treatment you need to prevent problems. And if youre not, youre not. So no trying to cheat the system here.

But we do have some tips for taking the glucose tolerance test:

  • Schedule your appointment for first thing in the morning: Youre not likely to worry about the fact that youre fasting while youre asleep. Then, you can get up, go immediately to your appointment and be done before lunch time.
  • Really do the fasting: It may seem like no biggie to have a midnight snack or a little bite of breakfast. But resist the urge! You really dont want to end up with inaccurate or inconclusive results and have to do this gestational diabetes test all over again.
  • Drink water: Yes, youre allowed to have small sips of water while youre fasting. Hey, at least its something!
  • Keep yourself busy: Bring plenty to keep you occupieda book, magazines, podcasts and/or music with earbuds. Three hours in a waiting room is really not fun without distractions.
  • Make your meal plan: Youre going to be ravenous and want to eat ASAP after that last blood draw. Plot out the nearest place to grab a quick snack or meal afterward. Or better yet, pack snacks and leave them in your bag or your car to grab as soon as you leave.

Eating Before Gd Test

Last pregnancy I got a false positive on my first 1 hr gestational diabetes test. Thank goodness everything came out fine after the 3-hour test. BUT, that test was a pain to do! Here’s the thing. I ate a chocolate bar before my 1-hr test. According to sources online that shouldn’t have affected my results, but I seriously think that was the cause of my false positive! Anyway, I hit 28 weeks tomorrow, so the last day to do my GD test in the “proper” time frame is today. I mistakenly ate a HUGE piece of chocolate brownie fudge cake I completely forgot that I shouldn’t have. Not only do I feel like an elephant for having zero control over my cravings but now I will very likely have to do the 3-hour test Do you think the cake will skew my results? The lab is open til 8pm and it’s 1 right now. So I am hoping to eat a light lunch and fast 6 hours before the test. Or should I just eat and drink normally and go? Has eating sweet things or carba ever given any of you a false positive on the 1-hr test? As someone who failed and is now managing it, I can give you this advice Fats make the glucose in your system process easier. So I would eat a high fat, medium to high protein meal, ZERO carb meal about 3 hours before the meal. And no more sugar. Good luck to all… but anyone who does fail both the 1 and 3 hour… it CAN be managed!!!!Continue reading > >

What Is A Glucose Test Pregnancy

It is a test conducted on pregnant women to measure how their body is using up glucose, which is the primary source of energy.


Also known as an oral glucose tolerance test, medical practitioners use it to see if youre at risk of getting gestational diabetes.

This type of diabetes only happens when youre pregnant, even if you had no history of diabetes beforehand.

This conditions leading cause is too much glucose just moving around in your blood instead of getting used up during pregnancy.

Some of this passes on to your baby, causing complications.

Among other complications on the baby, the common ones include your baby gaining weight and being a strain on your body.


It could also lead to high blood pressure you and difficulties during delivery.

There are two versions of this test that the doctors conduct on a pregnant woman during the second trimester.

The standard glucose test pregnancy lasts for 1 hr and is the most common test for expectant mothers.

The test is conducted by having you drink a concentrated glucose solution.

The doctor will request a sample of your blood to check how your body absorbs the glucose.


Once your doctor has determined your blood glucose levels, you may have to undergo another test if they are too high.

This usually lasts for three hours and is much more extensive.

Another related topic: Where Do You Feel Hiccups If Baby Is Head Down? 3 Simple Signs

Don’t Miss: Is Metformin Bad For Kidneys

What Happens If You Fail The 3 Hour Glucose Test

If you fail the 3-hour glucose test, you have impaired glucose tolerance and you will be diagnosed with gestational diabetes.


A failing score is considered when you have 2 or more values in these ranges:

  • Fasting > 95mg/dL
  • 2 Hour > 155 mg/dL
  • 3 Hour > 140 mg/dL

This is a very serious condition that requires very close monitoring of your blood sugar levels every single day.

If you dont, you are putting your own life and your babys life at risk.

You will meet with a nutritionist to learn how to improve your diet, and you will have to check your finger stick blood glucose 4 times a day for the remainder of the pregnancy.

What Should I Eat Before A Gestational Diabetes Test

What to Eat Before a Glucose Test  Gestational Diabetes Test Advice ...

Usually, preparing for a gestational diabetes test takes little effort. While there are non-fasting tests, you will usually be required to fast for a minimum of eight hours before your oral glucose tolerance test.


There are a few other things you can do to prepare for your appointment. Make sure there are no diet restrictions and ask your medical team if there is anything you need to do to prepare for the test. You should also write down vital personal information, including any prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, or supplements you take.

Sitting time during a gestational diabetes test can be tedious, so you might want to bring something to occupy you. Waiting for an hour to have your blood drawn can be difficult, and it’s especially challenging if you are having the three-hour gestational diabetes test.

However, if you decide to entertain yourself, choose something that doesn’t require you to move around extensively, as too much activity between blood draws can affect the results. It’s also a good idea to pack a small juice or snack to eat after the last blood draw.

Don’t Miss: Is Greek Yogurt Good For Diabetics

What Abnormal Results Mean

Abnormal blood values for a 3-hour 100-gram oral glucose tolerance test are:


  • Fasting: greater than 95 mg/dL
  • 1 hour: greater than 180 mg/dL
  • 2 hour: greater than 155 mg/dL
  • 3 hour: greater than 140 mg/dL

ONE-STEP TESTING

Abnormal blood values for a 2-hour 75-gram oral glucose tolerance test are:

  • Fasting: greater than 92 mg/dL
  • 1 hour: greater than 180 mg/dL
  • 2 hour: greater than 153 mg/dL

If only one of your blood glucose results in the oral glucose tolerance test is higher than normal, your provider may simply suggest you change some of the foods you eat. Then, your provider may test you again after you have changed your diet.

If more than one of your blood glucose results is higher than normal, you have gestational diabetes.

Symptoms Of Gestational Diabetes

Gestational diabetes does not usually cause any symptoms.


Most cases are only discovered when your blood sugar levels are tested during screening for gestational diabetes.

Some women may develop symptoms if their blood sugar levels gets too high , such as:

  • needing to pee more often than usual
  • a dry mouth
  • tiredness

But some of these symptoms are common during pregnancy and are not necessarily a sign of gestational diabetes. Speak to your midwife or doctor if you’re worried about any symptoms you’re experiencing.

Also Check: Diabetes Medication That Makes You Pee Sugar

Five Tips To Start Eating Better With Gestational Diabetes

Bissell recommends trying these five tips to get on the road to eating healthier:


  • Plan ahead: Think about your upcoming week and jot down a simple meal plan and grocery list to prevent last-minute food decisions because they usually result in less healthy choices.
  • Chop, chop: Pre-portion or chop up fruits and vegetables when you get home from the store to make them easier to grab when you need a snack.
  • Buy frozen: Stock your freezer with frozen vegetables. Even if the fresh veggies you picked out for the week go bad, you always have options.
  • Drink up: Carry a water bottle with you to stay hydrated.
  • Balance your meals: Eat protein and vegetables with each meal and snack. Aim for three meals a day with snacks in between as needed.

Can You Decline The Glucose Test In Pregnancy

Day in my life with Gestational Diabetes! What I eat in a day and testing my levels

If you decline the glucose test, then we will need to check your blood sugar levels 4 times per day for at least 1 week.

This will require you to prick your finger when you wake up every morning and one hour after breakfast, lunch, & dinner.

This is an alternative way to screen for gestational diabetes.

Read Also: Diabetes Blood Sugar Levels Over 400

How Doctors Test For Gestational Diabetes

Identifying and treating gestational diabetes can dramatically reduce the risk of pregnancy complications. Screening is usually performed during your second trimester, at 24-28 weeks of pregnancy, if you are at average risk of developing the condition.


If you are at an increased risk, your doctor may test for diabetes early in your pregnancy, even at your first prenatal visit. Risk factors that may cause your doctor to recommend a blood sugar test early include previous pregnancy with gestational diabetes, family history of diabetes, and being overweight.

The tests used may vary slightly but usually include:

Can You Walk Around During The Glucose Tolerance Or Challenge Test

Yes, you can walk around during the glucose test. A normal amount of walking shouldnt impact the test results.

With that said, dont go for a run, or do 200 squats and push-ups, as this can make the results unreliable :).

Want A Free PDF of The Best Exercises For New Moms?


There are 9 exercises you can do at home to help rebuild your core, glutes, and pelvic floor safely & effectively. Find out what they are with this 20 minute workout !

You May Like: Metformin Dosage Forms

How Do I Get Ready

To get an accurate result on the OGTT, eat about 150 grams of carbohydrates each day for 3 days before the test. Don’t eat or drink anything except water after about 10 oâclock the night before.

You don’t need to do any special prep before the pregnancy glucose challenge test. You can eat in the morning. Just avoid foods with a lot of sugar, such as doughnuts or orange juice.

How Common Is It To Fail The 1 Hour Glucose Challenge Test

Can You Eat Before a Gestational Diabetes Test?

In general, anywhere from 15-25% of women will fail the glucose challenge test. But keep in mind that failing the 1-hour test does not give you the diagnosis of gestational diabetes.


According to the CDC, the prevalence of gestational diabetes is about 2-10%.

But failing the test should raise some red flags that you need to pay attention to your diet.

Read Also: Diabetic Rash On Stomach

Why Do You Take A Glucose Test In Pregnancy

The glucose test is basically a simple way to determine how your body processes sugar in the third trimester of pregnancy.

In other words, it is a screening test to look for gestational diabetes mellitus.


You will be asked to drink a solution that contains a certain amount of glucose and have your blood drawn 1 or 2 hours later at your doctors office.

The glucose challenge test can be done between 24-28 weeks of pregnancy, which is about 6 months.

If you fail, you will then need to perform the glucose tolerance test.

The American College of OBGYN and the American Diabetes Association recommends that ALL pregnant women be screened for gestational diabetes. If you are at high risk, you will be screened twice- once in the first trimester, and again in the third trimester.

Risk factors for gestational diabetes include:

  • Obesity
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome

How Do You Test For Gestational Diabetes

Routine screening for gestational diabetes

  • Initial glucose challenge test. You’ll drink a syrupy glucose solution. One hour later, you’ll have a blood test to measure your blood sugar level.
  • Follow-up glucose tolerance testing. You’ll fast overnight, then have your blood sugar level measured.
    • Right-sided upper abdominal pain or pain around the stomach.

    Also Check: Why Eat Sugar After Giving Blood

    Foods To Avoid Before A Pregnancy Glucose Test

    And heres a list of foods you shouldnt eat before your glucose test. The main foods to avoid are refined carbohydrates and sugars.

    Skip the following food items on the day of your test:

    • Refined grains
    • Sweet toppings
    • Sugary breakfast cereals
    • Candies
    • Sugary drinks

    NOTE: Its okay to have the occasional indulgence with these items throughout your pregnancy, but its also very important to enjoy these foods in moderation.

    RELATED: Can pregnant women eat cream cheese?

    Is There Anyway To Cheat A Fasting Blood Sugar Test

    GESTATIONAL Diabetes. What to Eat to Control it? SugarMD

    There is no way to cheat the test. You wont be able to manipulate the way your body processes sugar unless you have access to specific medications.

    I wont go into any more details because YOU SHOULD NOT try to cheat the glucose pregnancy test.

    This test is really important if you care about the health of your pregnancy and baby.

    We need to be able to see how youre body processes sugar.

    If you have gestational diabetes and try to falsify your results, you will increase

    • the risk of your baby having birth defects

    So get tested and do it right!

    Don’t Miss: Long Term Side Effects Of Glipizide

    What If I Fail My Glucose Test

    If you fail the glucose tolerance test and are diagnosed with gestational diabetes, youll work with your provider or a diabetes specialist, and possibly a nutritionist. Together youll come up with a treatment plan, which will cover: Strategies for managing gestational diabetes. Diet for gestational diabetes.

    What To Eat Before Your Pregnancy Glucose Test

    Pregnancy is such an exciting, yet stressful time in a womans life. Things such as pregnancy cravings, knowing how much to eat for you and your growing baby, getting enough of all the right nutrients, being safe while exercising, feeling the baby move, getting the house ready for a baby, choosing a baby name, and more all add to the excitement and stress. Seriously the list could go on and on!

    Another thing to add to the list: your pregnancy glucose test. Most women especially first time moms get a little nervous about it.

    You May Like: Metformin Dose Range

    Risks If You Have Diabetes In Pregnancy

    If you have diabetes when you are pregnant and dont get treatment:

    • your baby can grow too big, and this can cause problems for you and your baby during the birth
    • you can develop high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia
    • your baby may have problems with their own blood sugar when they are born, and they will have more risk of getting diabetes later in life.

    What You Need To Know About Diabetes What To Eat Before Gestational Diabetes Test During Pregnancy

    How to Manage Gestational Diabetes

    One of the most common signs of diabetes is excessive thirst. You may also feel more hungry and pee more than usual. Its important to check your blood sugar as soon as you start to notice these symptoms. If your blood sugar drops below 70 mg/dL, you should immediately eat 15 grams of carbohydrates. Then, check it again fifteen minutes later. If you cant eat that much carbohydrate at once, you can try oral glucose.

    Despite the many complications of type 1 diabetes, you can still find ways to manage it. By reading about diabetes, youll be better prepared to live a healthy and happy life. You can avoid diabetes by making healthy choices. In fact, there are many treatments available for type 1 diabetes. In some cases, a patient may even experience an improvement in their overall health after the transplant. In some cases, you can even reverse your diabetes through a simple procedure.

    Type 2 diabetes is the most common type. Most people with type 1 diabetes have type 2 diabetes. They both require insulin to regulate their blood sugar. If youre overweight, you may have type 2 diabetes. If youre concerned about diabetes, its important to learn about it. Your doctor can provide you with more information on your condition, including tips on how to cope with it. You should never be afraid to ask questions. Just remember, youll have to answer them. Youre not alone.

    Also Check: Normal A1c Range For Seniors

    What Are The Risks Associated With Gestational Diabetes

    In addition to placing you at greater risk for developing type 2 diabetes after delivery, gestational diabetes increases the chance of developing high blood pressure while you’re pregnant. It can also make your delivery more difficult and affect your baby’s health.

    Complications may include:

    • Larger baby , increasing the risk of C-section delivery

    • Premature birth, which can cause breathing and other health issues

    • Higher risk of a baby born with low blood sugar

    • Your baby may develop type 2 diabetes later in life

    Typically, you can control gestational diabetes with diet and exercise, though sometimes medication is necessary. Usually, blood sugar levels return to normal soon after delivery, and you can lower your risk of complications by reaching a healthy body weight after giving birth.

    However, your doctor should monitor your blood sugar, testing your levels 6-12 weeks after you give birth and every one to three years after that.

    RELATED ARTICLES

    Popular Articles